IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2007

INDUSTRY NEWS

FEATURE STORIES ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

· Electronics Recycling in Massachusetts

(Boston Business Journal – October 12, 2007)

“Since banning CRT monitors and televisions from landfills in 2000, the state has seen an almost five-fold increase in the amount of electronics recycled …” However, electronics recyclers have been facing several challenges – including: “… small-business customers who have to be persuaded to spend money on … services (and) … the cost of disposal has been a barrier for some companies …” The market is expected to continue to grow as large retailers and manufacturers implement take-back programs and new operating systems drive upgrades of existing computers.

· WEEE Case Study

(GreenerComputing.com – October 25, 2007)

A study was conducted by the University of Surrey to examine “how WEEE legislation and extended producer responsibility laws … have affected Sony’s … recycling efforts …” Sony and other manufacturers work with a network of more than 250 “producer responsibility organizations” (PROs). “Sony was able to maximize the benefit of complying with takeback legislation … by systematically comparing services and making PROs compete for their business.” The study found that PRO fees were now only 20-30% of what they were 2-4 years earlier – “as a direct result of a price-bidding process”.

· Cell Phone Study

(ABI Research – October 22, 2007)

“Revenue from the sales of recycled and refurbished handsets is expected to be over US$3.5 billion in 2007, according to a new study by ABI Research.” Projections estimate that the market for recycled and refurbished handsets will grow to more than US$6 billion by 2012 – driven by returns, collections and emerging markets.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

· China

(E-Scrap News – October 24, 2007)

A recent university study revealed that “people who live near rudimentary e-scrap processing workshops have higher levels of some toxic chemicals … in their bodies”. Compared to a control group in a town more than 150 miles away from the processing operations, dioxin levels were found to be more than double in new mothers – “among the highest recorded in the world”.

· Canada

(E-Scrap News – October 1 & 11, 2007)

The Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Nova Scotia announced plans to implement ARF-based electronics recycling programs similar to those in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

A public-private coalition with funding from the provincial agency RECYC-QUEBEC launched a program that will collect used electronics at 59 participating Staples affiliate locations. “All equipment will be processed by … ‘CFER’, which offers training in various fields of recycling to youth …”

· South Korea

(E-Scrap News – October 11, 2007)

“South Korea’s version of the RoHS Directive will set, for the first time, a comprehensive program for end-of-life electronics – with penalties for non-compliance including jail time.”

OTHER RELATED NEWS

· Florida Study

(E-Scrap News – October 24, 2007)

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has released a report analyzing different metrics for splitting up recycling costs via manufacturer share – using a percentage of sales-based model or a percentage of products received for recycling-based model.”

· California Legislation

(E-Scrap News – October 19, 2007)

Two e-scrap bills that had passed the California legislature were vetoed by the governor. One, which was modeled after the EU RoHS directive, was vetoed because “it would have ‘deviated’ from the EU approach … (and) was overly broad in scope …”

INDUSTRY EVENTS

E-SCRAP CONFERENCE

The E-Scrap Conference was held on October 23-26, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. This annual event, which is organized by Resource Recycling, had a large turn-out from the electronics recycling industry. The IAER was a sponsor and exhibitor and also held a number of events and meetings in conjunction with the conference – including the Educational Program on October 23 (see below). In addition, several members of the IAER leadership participated in the conference program.

Click here to see the photo gallery from the E-Scrap Conference

IERI EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

The International Electronics Recyclers Institute (IERI) – the educational affiliate organization of the IAER – held an educational program in conjunction with the E-Scrap Conference. The IERI conducted three of its newest and most popular short courses – all of which were full.

Downstream Due Diligence and Risk Management (in an expanded 8 hour course)
Recycling Specialty Materials (4 hour course)
Data Security Management in Electronics Recycling (4 hour course)

Watch here for information about the next IERI Educational Program.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SUMMIT® - 2008

The IAER and ISRI announced that the 2008 SUMMIT event will be held in conjunction with next year’s ISRI annual convention – April 6-10, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. Watch here for details as they develop.

Highlights of 2007 Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® - including the complete program, copies of the SUMMIT presentations and a photo gallery can be found on the IAER website at:

http://www.iaer.org/summit/summit/Summit2007c.htm

IAER NEWS

IAER-ISRI ANNOUNCEMENT - October 24, 2007

The IAER made the following announcement at the IAER Members Meeting held in conjunction with the E-Scrap Conference in Atlanta, GA.

“THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE INSTITUTE OF SCRAP RECYCLING INDUSTRIES (ISRI) AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRONICS RECYCLERS, INCORPORATED (IAER) HAVE INITIATED DISCUSSIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS TO EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL SYNERGY BETWEEN THE TWO ORGANIZATIONS.

ONCE THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT BETWEEN ISRI AND IAER HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE BOARDS, THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE IAER MEMBERSHIP FOR CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION AND A VOTE FOR APPROVAL.”

Further information will be provided once available.

IAER MEMBERS MEETING

The IAER held a meeting for IAER Members in conjunction with the E-Scrap Conference in Atlanta, GA (see above). A luncheon meeting held on Wednesday, October 24 from 12:00Noon to 1:30PM. This was an important opportunity for IAER Members to hear from and interact with IAER Officers and Directors – about the status and plans of the association – as well as the major announcement (above).

IAER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

· MORE FACILITIES ACHIEVE IAER CERTIFICATION

Three additional electronics recycling facilities have recently achieved the designation “Certified Electronics Recycler®”:

– Cascade Asset Management - Plainfield, IN

– UNICOR Ft Dix, NJ

– UNICOR Lewisburg, PA

In addition, the UNICOR facility in Texarkana, TX renewed its IAER certification.

· NEW RELEASE

During the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT®, the IAER announced a new release of the IAER Certification Program. The IAER Standards & Certification Committee completed a year-long effort of revising the IAER Certification Standard and supporting documents involved in the IAER certification process. The revisions focused on expanding, strengthening and re-organizing requirements to be consistent with all the key elements of the EPA’s draft “Best Management Practices for Electronics Recycling” (BMPs) – particularly in areas such as control of materials of concern, downstream due diligence and risk management, tracking records, reuse and refurbishment.

Click here for more information on Release 2.1 – including the News Release and revised IAER Certification Standard.

Many companies are now taking advantage of IAER Certification – and the cost efficient process that was introduced last year.

If your company is not sure about pursuing IAER Certification, visit the web page on: “The Benefits of being a Certified Electronics Recycler®”.

To recognize those that have achieved IAER certification, a webpage has been established that provides access to the public to all current Certified Electronics Recyclers.

IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY REPORT – 2006

The IAER partnered with Resource Recycling/E-Scrap News to publish a 2006 update to the Electronics Recycling Industry Report®. It includes new surveys of the electronics recycling industry in the U.S. as well as comprehensive new research on the trends and developments that drive the industry. This report contains current information that is essential for anyone involved or interested in the electronics recycling industry – with even more data and illustrations than the original 2003 Report. For more information and to order the Report, go to the web page at: http://www.iaer.org/communications/indreport.htm

Updates to the Industry Report were presented at this year’s SUMMIT and have been posted on the SUMMIT 2007 webpage.

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

(From News Releases, Recycling Today, Reverse Logistics, GreenBiz.com and E-Scrap News)

Recyclers

· Cascade Asset Management (IAER Member) – announced that it “is facilitating an online e-Bay auction for manufacturers to purchase processed weight of collected electronic devices accepted under (Minnesota’s) law”. Separately, Cascade announced “the implementation of a new shredder … to increase recovery rates of usable commodities from e-scrap equipment.”

· Global Electric Electronic Recycling/GEEP (IAER Member) – announced that One51plc of Dublin, Ireland has become a one-third shareholder – extending its existing recycling operations in seven countries.

· Amandi Services (IAER Member) – announced that it has been acquired by a newly formed recycling company – Eco International

· GRC Wireless Recycling (IAER Member) – announced “that the company has moved to a new cell phone recycling facility in Miramar, FL … (which was) designed to recycle over 5 million cell phones annually”.

· Axion Recycling (U.K.) – announced that “it is investing more than US$1 million to improve yield of high-grade plastics from processing mixed small Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment … The company uses 14 different separation techniques …”

· Viola Environmental Services – announced a partnership with TCP, Inc. to promote recycling mercury-containing lamps using pre-paid shipping containers.

Other Companies and Organizations

· Northeast Recycling Council/NERC (IAER Member) – “is promoting the State Electronics Challenge – Northeast Pilot. The program will provide participants with tools and resources to purchase computers and other electronic devices that contain fewer toxins, minimize energy use, and recycling them in an environmentally sound manner.”

· Office Depot – announced an expansion of its “Tech Recycling Service” to all of its more than 1100 stores in North America.

· Best Buy – announced a free recycling service to its customers at all of its retail stores in Canada.

· Computer Technology Industry Association – “announced the availability of a technology equipment recycling program for its members”.

· South Bayside Waste Management Authority (California) – “announced the launch of a curbside recycling program for household batteries and cell phones”.

	IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS FEATURE STORIES ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING · Electronics Recycling in Massachusetts (Boston Business Journal – October 12, 2007) “Since banning CRT monitors and televisions from landfills in 2000, the state has seen an almost five-fold increase in the amount of electronics recycled …” However, electronics recyclers have been facing several challenges – including: “… small-business customers who have to be persuaded to spend money on … services (and) … the cost of disposal has been a barrier for some companies …” The market is expected to continue to grow as large retailers and manufacturers implement take-back programs and new operating systems drive upgrades of existing computers. · WEEE Case Study (GreenerComputing.com – October 25, 2007) A study was conducted by the University of Surrey to examine “how WEEE legislation and extended producer responsibility laws … have affected Sony’s … recycling efforts …” Sony and other manufacturers work with a network of more than 250 “producer responsibility organizations” (PROs). “Sony was able to maximize the benefit of complying with takeback legislation … by systematically comparing services and making PROs compete for their business.” The study found that PRO fees were now only 20-30% of what they were 2-4 years earlier – “as a direct result of a price-bidding process”. · Cell Phone Study (ABI Research – October 22, 2007) “Revenue from the sales of recycled and refurbished handsets is expected to be over US$3.5 billion in 2007, according to a new study by ABI Research.” Projections estimate that the market for recycled and refurbished handsets will grow to more than US$6 billion by 2012 – driven by returns, collections and emerging markets. INTERNATIONAL NEWS ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING · China (E-Scrap News – October 24, 2007) A recent university study revealed that “people who live near rudimentary e-scrap processing workshops have higher levels of some toxic chemicals … in their bodies”. Compared to a control group in a town more than 150 miles away from the processing operations, dioxin levels were found to be more than double in new mothers – “among the highest recorded in the world”. · Canada (E-Scrap News – October 1 & 11, 2007) The Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Nova Scotia announced plans to implement ARF-based electronics recycling programs similar to those in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. A public-private coalition with funding from the provincial agency RECYC-QUEBEC launched a program that will collect used electronics at 59 participating Staples affiliate locations. “All equipment will be processed by … ‘CFER’, which offers training in various fields of recycling to youth …” · South Korea (E-Scrap News – October 11, 2007) “South Korea’s version of the RoHS Directive will set, for the first time, a comprehensive program for end-of-life electronics – with penalties for non-compliance including jail time.” OTHER RELATED NEWS · Florida Study (E-Scrap News – October 24, 2007) “The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has released a report analyzing different metrics for splitting up recycling costs via manufacturer share – using a percentage of sales-based model or a percentage of products received for recycling-based model.” · California Legislation (E-Scrap News – October 19, 2007) Two e-scrap bills that had passed the California legislature were vetoed by the governor. One, which was modeled after the EU RoHS directive, was vetoed because “it would have ‘deviated’ from the EU approach … (and) was overly broad in scope …” INDUSTRY EVENTS E-SCRAP CONFERENCE The E-Scrap Conference was held on October 23-26, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. This annual event, which is organized by Resource Recycling, had a large turn-out from the electronics recycling industry. The IAER was a sponsor and exhibitor and also held a number of events and meetings in conjunction with the conference – including the Educational Program on October 23 (see below). In addition, several members of the IAER leadership participated in the conference program. *Click here to see the photo gallery from the E-Scrap Conference* IERI EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM The International Electronics Recyclers Institute (IERI) – the educational affiliate organization of the IAER – held an educational program in conjunction with the E-Scrap Conference. The IERI conducted three of its newest and most popular short courses – all of which were full. Downstream Due Diligence and Risk Management (in an expanded 8 hour course) Recycling Specialty Materials (4 hour course) Data Security Management in Electronics Recycling (4 hour course) Watch here for information about the next IERI Educational Program. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SUMMIT® - 2008 The IAER and ISRI announced that the 2008 SUMMIT event will be held in conjunction with next year’s ISRI annual convention – April 6-10, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. Watch here for details as they develop. Highlights of 2007 Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® - including the complete program, copies of the SUMMIT presentations and a photo gallery can be found on the IAER website at: http://www.iaer.org/summit/summit/Summit2007c.htm IAER NEWS *IAER-ISRI ANNOUNCEMENT -* October 24, 2007 The IAER made the following announcement at the IAER Members Meeting held in conjunction with the E-Scrap Conference in Atlanta, GA. “THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE INSTITUTE OF SCRAP RECYCLING INDUSTRIES (ISRI) AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRONICS RECYCLERS, INCORPORATED (IAER) HAVE INITIATED DISCUSSIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS TO EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL SYNERGY BETWEEN THE TWO ORGANIZATIONS. ONCE THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT BETWEEN ISRI AND IAER HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE BOARDS, THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE IAER MEMBERSHIP FOR CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION AND A VOTE FOR APPROVAL.” Further information will be provided once available. IAER MEMBERS MEETING The IAER held a meeting for IAER Members in conjunction with the E-Scrap Conference in Atlanta, GA (see above). A luncheon meeting held on Wednesday, October 24 from 12:00Noon to 1:30PM. This was an important opportunity for IAER Members to hear from and interact with IAER Officers and Directors – about the status and plans of the association – as well as the major announcement (above). IAER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM · MORE FACILITIES ACHIEVE IAER CERTIFICATION Three additional electronics recycling facilities have recently achieved the designation “Certified Electronics Recycler®”: – Cascade Asset Management - Plainfield, IN – UNICOR Ft Dix, NJ – UNICOR Lewisburg, PA In addition, the UNICOR facility in Texarkana, TX renewed its IAER certification. · NEW RELEASE During the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT®, the IAER announced a new release of the IAER Certification Program. The IAER Standards & Certification Committee completed a year-long effort of revising the IAER Certification Standard and supporting documents involved in the IAER certification process. The revisions focused on expanding, strengthening and re-organizing requirements to be consistent with all the key elements of the EPA’s draft “Best Management Practices for Electronics Recycling” (BMPs) – particularly in areas such as control of materials of concern, downstream due diligence and risk management, tracking records, reuse and refurbishment. Click here for more information on Release 2.1 – including the News Release and revised IAER Certification Standard. Many companies are now taking advantage of IAER Certification – and the cost efficient process that was introduced last year. *If your company is not sure about pursuing IAER Certification, visit the web page on: “The Benefits of being a Certified Electronics Recycler®”. To recognize those that have achieved IAER certification, a webpage has been established that provides access to the public to all current Certified Electronics Recyclers. IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY REPORT – 2006* The IAER partnered with Resource Recycling/E-Scrap News to publish a 2006 update to the Electronics Recycling Industry Report®. It includes new surveys of the electronics recycling industry in the U.S. as well as comprehensive new research on the trends and developments that drive the industry. This report contains current information that is essential for anyone involved or interested in the electronics recycling industry – with even more data and illustrations than the original 2003 Report. For more information and to order the Report, go to the web page at: http://www.iaer.org/communications/indreport.htm Updates to the Industry Report were presented at this year’s SUMMIT and have been posted on the SUMMIT 2007 webpage. COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS (From News Releases, Recycling Today, Reverse Logistics, GreenBiz.com and E-Scrap News) Recyclers · Cascade Asset Management (IAER Member) – announced that it “is facilitating an online e-Bay auction for manufacturers to purchase processed weight of collected electronic devices accepted under (Minnesota’s) law”. Separately, Cascade announced “the implementation of a new shredder … to increase recovery rates of usable commodities from e-scrap equipment.” · Global Electric Electronic Recycling/GEEP (IAER Member) – announced that One51plc of Dublin, Ireland has become a one-third shareholder – extending its existing recycling operations in seven countries. · Amandi Services (IAER Member) – announced that it has been acquired by a newly formed recycling company – Eco International · GRC Wireless Recycling (IAER Member) – announced “that the company has moved to a new cell phone recycling facility in Miramar, FL … (which was) designed to recycle over 5 million cell phones annually”. · Axion Recycling (U.K.) – announced that “it is investing more than US$1 million to improve yield of high-grade plastics from processing mixed small Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment … The company uses 14 different separation techniques …” · Viola Environmental Services – announced a partnership with TCP, Inc. to promote recycling mercury-containing lamps using pre-paid shipping containers. Other Companies and Organizations · Northeast Recycling Council/NERC (IAER Member) – “is promoting the State Electronics Challenge – Northeast Pilot. The program will provide participants with tools and resources to purchase computers and other electronic devices that contain fewer toxins, minimize energy use, and recycling them in an environmentally sound manner.” · Office Depot – announced an expansion of its “Tech Recycling Service” to all of its more than 1100 stores in North America. · Best Buy – announced a free recycling service to its customers at all of its retail stores in Canada. · Computer Technology Industry Association – “announced the availability of a technology equipment recycling program for its members”. · South Bayside Waste Management Authority (California) – “announced the launch of a curbside recycling program for household batteries and cell phones”. Return to the main page