IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2007

INDUSTRY NEWS

FEATURE STORIES ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

· Special Issue of E-Scrap News (October 2007)

o Flat Panel Displays – Since flat panel displays are expected to dominate the market for monitors and TVs, “a need exists to evaluate the potential risks associated with handling and disposing of these … before significant quantities reach their end of life.” A recent study identified a number of materials of concern, including heavy metals, brominated flame retardants, and liquid crystals. “Researchers found that the most probable sources for exposures and releases to the environment were from activities at recycling facilities.” Additional work is recommended on evaluating the toxicity of the materials involved as well as appropriate recycling practices.

o Collection Programs – A survey was conducted of e-scrap collection organizers that revealed several key factors for successful collection events:

– The selection of a qualified recycling vendor

– Choosing an adequate location and facility

– Staffing the event

– Understanding the costs and establishing appropriate fees

– Advertising the event

o Federal Legislation – The Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC) advocates a “convenient, economical and flexible national program” for the collection and recycling of electronics rather than “a patchwork quilt of state measures”. In particular, it supports an approach “to allow manufacturers the flexibility to design collection and recycling programs that best fit their business models … without imposing new taxes at the point of sale”.

o Digital Televisions – The FCC switch from analog to digital TV broadcasting in 2009 is expected to have a major impact on electronics recycling. “The sheer number of end-of-life televisions expected to enter the solid waste stream … will seriously burden the solid waste industry … Television recycling needs to be a profitable business in order to promote proper disposal and recycling”. Among the recommendations are:

– Establishing permanent drop-off facilities nation-wide

– Manufacturers offering credits to retailers for the sale of new HDTV’s

– Retailers establishing collection and recycling programs

– Curbside collection services for TVs

– End-of-life management legislation

· Exporting Electronics

(CNN & Chicago Tribune – November 19, 2007)

Yet another article on export abuses of scrap electronics to developing countries such as China, India and Nigeria. It includes some of the same negative views of the electronics recycling industry – such as “Many so-called recyclers simply sell the working units and components, then give or sell the remaining scrap to export brokers.” But there is also some new information and perspectives, including:

– China is beginning to crack down on illegal imports – “In the first nine months of this year, Hong Kong authorities returned 85 containers of electronic junk, including 20 from the U.S.”

– All exports to Asia are not scrap – “There’s a huge market over there for secondhand computers”.

– The U.S. EPA “doesn’t believe that stopping exports is the solution … since most electronics are manufactured abroad, it makes sense to recycle them abroad”.

– Also, “The EPA is working with environmental groups, recyclers and electronics manufacturers to develop a system to certify companies that recycle electronics responsibly.”

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING LEGISLATION

(NCER News Summary and E-Scrap News)

There is progress in electronics recycling legislation in several states:

· Oregon – The new “Electronics Recycling Law requires manufacturers of televisions, desktop and portable computers, and monitors … sold or offered for sale in the state … to register … by December 31, 2007.”

· Michigan – A Senate bill introduced in November “requires manufacturer takeback programs for electronic devices”. In addition, two additional bills would require processors to register with the state and “establishes a landfill and disposal ban on all electronics”.

· Pennsylvania – A Senate bill introduced in late October would “create a statewide electronics recovery program subsidized via the assessment of an advanced recovery fee”.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

(E-Scrap News, Taipei Times, Computing, Rapidonline)

· India – “The Indian state of Maharashtra is moving forward on a law covering the disposal of e-scrap in the state.”

· China – A report of a recent visit to town of Guiyu, which had been found to be “the heartland of e-waste disposal” five years ago, “shows little has improved … in fact, the problem is growing worse because of China’s own contribution … China now produces more than 910,000 tonnes of e-waste each year”. It is estimated that “the e-waste industry (in Guiyu) employs … 150,000 people.”

· Africa – “Computer Aid International … shipped its 100,000^th refurbished PC to Africa. The organization has been sending donated PCs to recipients, including school children and medical staff, for more than three years… Computer Aid wipes data from donated computers using a data destruction product called Blancco” (IAER Member).

· European TV Recycling Project – “has developed a method for recycling cathode ray tubes into ceramic floor tiles and resin-based materials, which could be applied to cement as an insulating component and a construction material”.

· European Commission Study – A study reported that only 25% of medium-sized appliances (including consumer electronics) are collected for salvage and recycling. It also predicts that “total WEEE across (the EU) … will grow 2.5-2.7% annually, to around 13.5 million tons by 2020”.

OTHER RELATED NEWS

· Retailers Programs

(GreenBiz.com – November 13, 2007, and Recycling Today, E-Scrap News & News.com)

A number of major retailers of electronic products have announced electronics recycling programs:

o Staples – conducted a survey that reported “fewer than 25% of Americans recycle old, broken or unused electronics”. Staples “accepts many items, charging a $10 fee per large item (and) smaller items are taken for free.”

o Office Depot – “is offering a free medium-sized tech recycling box with any purchase greater than $100 as part of its new e-scrap recycling program”.

o Target – is “testing sales of used electronic goods on its website”

o Costco – “is partnering with e-scrap processor GreenSight Technologies to offer incentive-based recycling for electronics both online and at all of the volume discount retailer’s locations”.

· TV Recycling Campaign

(E-Scrap News – November 16, 2007)

“The Electronics TakeBack Coalition announced a new campaign called ‘Take Back My TV’ to ask television makers for manufacturer supported recycling programs”. The campaign is aimed at preparing for increased disposal of TVs when the switch to digital broadcasting is implemented in 2009.

· Private Equity

(Recycling Today – September 2007)

Based on the experiences of Intechra (IAER Member) and SJF Ventures, “private equity firms are intrigued by the electronics recycling industry because of its growth potential and the prospective returns they can realize on their investments … only 10-15 % of used electronics are being disposed of or recycled correctly … Clearly there is a huge market potential”. Among the factors cited that “have helped to create a favorable market” are:

– Data security requirements

– The “green wave” of getting serious about environmental protection

– “Businesses … unsure of what to do with old electronic equipment”

INDUSTRY EVENTS

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 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

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 a partnership with Software Success Partners “to offer customers a full spectrum of IT asset management and retirement solutions”. Separately, Cascade announced that it “has recycled over one million pounds of electronics in the last seven years (from) Madison, Wisconsin residents”.

· Guaranteed Recycling Xperts (IAER Member) - “has purchased a facility in Colorado Springs that will support drop-off and pickup services for consumer electronics and CRT monitors”.

· Global Electric Electronic Processing (IAER Member) - announced that its new end-of-life electronics processing facility in Edmonton will be operational by December 1.

· WeRecycle! (IAER Member) - has become a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.

· Techturn (IAER Member) - has become a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.

· Redemtech - has become a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.

· Techtrack Solutions – “launched a new website … offering easy to understand content and showcasing the huge benefit of effective IT management in a growing organization … using a highly configurable web-based barcode asset tracking solution”.

Other Companies and Organizations

· Microsoft – announced an expansion of its Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program beyond the existing base of non-profit organizations “by allowing e-scrap processors to install a Windows operating system onto refurbished computers for resale”.

· Xerox – reports that “has diverted a total of two billion pounds of electronic waste from landfills since the company’s sustainability program was initiated in 1991… (through) reuse and recycling in imaging supplies and product take-back and recycling and parts reuse … (it has also) saved the company more than $2 billion”.

· Sony – reported that it “saved in excess of US$577,880 in 2005 through controlled management of the company’s take-back programs (under WEEE in the EU)”.

· Fujitsu – announced a partnership with a Singapore-based recycling company to launch a new collection and recycling venture.

· Movero Technology – “announced the expansion of its responsible disposal recycling program … (for) end-of-life mobile devices … (including) free wireless disposal and certified data destruction”.

· Community Clearinghouse Agency (Lancaster, PA) – announced a plan for the expansion of its operations to include a pickup service, warehouse and recycling center for used electronics.

	IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS FEATURE STORIES ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING · Special Issue of E-Scrap News (October 2007) o Flat Panel Displays – Since flat panel displays are expected to dominate the market for monitors and TVs, “a need exists to evaluate the potential risks associated with handling and disposing of these … before significant quantities reach their end of life.” A recent study identified a number of materials of concern, including heavy metals, brominated flame retardants, and liquid crystals. “Researchers found that the most probable sources for exposures and releases to the environment were from activities at recycling facilities.” Additional work is recommended on evaluating the toxicity of the materials involved as well as appropriate recycling practices. o Collection Programs – A survey was conducted of e-scrap collection organizers that revealed several key factors for successful collection events: – The selection of a qualified recycling vendor – Choosing an adequate location and facility – Staffing the event – Understanding the costs and establishing appropriate fees – Advertising the event o Federal Legislation – The Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC) advocates a “convenient, economical and flexible national program” for the collection and recycling of electronics rather than “a patchwork quilt of state measures”. In particular, it supports an approach “to allow manufacturers the flexibility to design collection and recycling programs that best fit their business models … without imposing new taxes at the point of sale”. o Digital Televisions – The FCC switch from analog to digital TV broadcasting in 2009 is expected to have a major impact on electronics recycling. “The sheer number of end-of-life televisions expected to enter the solid waste stream … will seriously burden the solid waste industry … Television recycling needs to be a profitable business in order to promote proper disposal and recycling”. Among the recommendations are: – Establishing permanent drop-off facilities nation-wide – Manufacturers offering credits to retailers for the sale of new HDTV’s – Retailers establishing collection and recycling programs – Curbside collection services for TVs – End-of-life management legislation · Exporting Electronics (CNN & Chicago Tribune – November 19, 2007) Yet another article on export abuses of scrap electronics to developing countries such as China, India and Nigeria. It includes some of the same negative views of the electronics recycling industry – such as “Many so-called recyclers simply sell the working units and components, then give or sell the remaining scrap to export brokers.” But there is also some new information and perspectives, including: – China is beginning to crack down on illegal imports – “In the first nine months of this year, Hong Kong authorities returned 85 containers of electronic junk, including 20 from the U.S.” – All exports to Asia are not scrap – “There’s a huge market over there for secondhand computers”. – The U.S. EPA “doesn’t believe that stopping exports is the solution … since most electronics are manufactured abroad, it makes sense to recycle them abroad”. – Also, “The EPA is working with environmental groups, recyclers and electronics manufacturers to develop a system to certify companies that recycle electronics responsibly.” ELECTRONICS RECYCLING LEGISLATION (NCER News Summary and E-Scrap News) There is progress in electronics recycling legislation in several states: · Oregon – The new “Electronics Recycling Law requires manufacturers of televisions, desktop and portable computers, and monitors … sold or offered for sale in the state … to register … by December 31, 2007.” · Michigan – A Senate bill introduced in November “requires manufacturer takeback programs for electronic devices”. In addition, two additional bills would require processors to register with the state and “establishes a landfill and disposal ban on all electronics”. · Pennsylvania – A Senate bill introduced in late October would “create a statewide electronics recovery program subsidized via the assessment of an advanced recovery fee”. INTERNATIONAL NEWS ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING (E-Scrap News, Taipei Times, Computing, Rapidonline) · India – “The Indian state of Maharashtra is moving forward on a law covering the disposal of e-scrap in the state.” · China – A report of a recent visit to town of Guiyu, which had been found to be “the heartland of e-waste disposal” five years ago, “shows little has improved … in fact, the problem is growing worse because of China’s own contribution … China now produces more than 910,000 tonnes of e-waste each year”. It is estimated that “the e-waste industry (in Guiyu) employs … 150,000 people.” · Africa – “Computer Aid International … shipped its 100,000^th refurbished PC to Africa. The organization has been sending donated PCs to recipients, including school children and medical staff, for more than three years… Computer Aid wipes data from donated computers using a data destruction product called Blancco” (IAER Member). · European TV Recycling Project – “has developed a method for recycling cathode ray tubes into ceramic floor tiles and resin-based materials, which could be applied to cement as an insulating component and a construction material”. · European Commission Study – A study reported that only 25% of medium-sized appliances (including consumer electronics) are collected for salvage and recycling. It also predicts that “total WEEE across (the EU) … will grow 2.5-2.7% annually, to around 13.5 million tons by 2020”. OTHER RELATED NEWS · Retailers Programs (GreenBiz.com – November 13, 2007, and Recycling Today, E-Scrap News & News.com) A number of major retailers of electronic products have announced electronics recycling programs: o Staples – conducted a survey that reported “fewer than 25% of Americans recycle old, broken or unused electronics”. Staples “accepts many items, charging a $10 fee per large item (and) smaller items are taken for free.” o Office Depot – “is offering a free medium-sized tech recycling box with any purchase greater than $100 as part of its new e-scrap recycling program”. o Target – is “testing sales of used electronic goods on its website” o Costco – “is partnering with e-scrap processor GreenSight Technologies to offer incentive-based recycling for electronics both online and at all of the volume discount retailer’s locations”. · TV Recycling Campaign (E-Scrap News – November 16, 2007) “The Electronics TakeBack Coalition announced a new campaign called ‘Take Back My TV’ to ask television makers for manufacturer supported recycling programs”. The campaign is aimed at preparing for increased disposal of TVs when the switch to digital broadcasting is implemented in 2009. · Private Equity (Recycling Today – September 2007) Based on the experiences of Intechra (IAER Member) and SJF Ventures, “private equity firms are intrigued by the electronics recycling industry because of its growth potential and the prospective returns they can realize on their investments … only 10-15 % of used electronics are being disposed of or recycled correctly … Clearly there is a huge market potential”. Among the factors cited that “have helped to create a favorable market” are: – Data security requirements – The “green wave” of getting serious about environmental protection – “Businesses … unsure of what to do with old electronic equipment” INDUSTRY EVENTS 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 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 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 a partnership with Software Success Partners “to offer customers a full spectrum of IT asset management and retirement solutions”. Separately, Cascade announced that it “has recycled over one million pounds of electronics in the last seven years (from) Madison, Wisconsin residents”. · Guaranteed Recycling Xperts (IAER Member) - “has purchased a facility in Colorado Springs that will support drop-off and pickup services for consumer electronics and CRT monitors”. · Global Electric Electronic Processing (IAER Member) - announced that its new end-of-life electronics processing facility in Edmonton will be operational by December 1. · WeRecycle! (IAER Member) - has become a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. · Techturn (IAER Member) - has become a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. · Redemtech - has become a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. · Techtrack Solutions – “launched a new website … offering easy to understand content and showcasing the huge benefit of effective IT management in a growing organization … using a highly configurable web-based barcode asset tracking solution”. Other Companies and Organizations · Microsoft – announced an expansion of its Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program beyond the existing base of non-profit organizations “by allowing e-scrap processors to install a Windows operating system onto refurbished computers for resale”. · Xerox – reports that “has diverted a total of two billion pounds of electronic waste from landfills since the company’s sustainability program was initiated in 1991… (through) reuse and recycling in imaging supplies and product take-back and recycling and parts reuse … (it has also) saved the company more than $2 billion”. · Sony – reported that it “saved in excess of US$577,880 in 2005 through controlled management of the company’s take-back programs (under WEEE in the EU)”. · Fujitsu – announced a partnership with a Singapore-based recycling company to launch a new collection and recycling venture. · Movero Technology – “announced the expansion of its responsible disposal recycling program … (for) end-of-life mobile devices … (including) free wireless disposal and certified data destruction”. · Community Clearinghouse Agency (Lancaster, PA) – announced a plan for the expansion of its operations to include a pickup service, warehouse and recycling center for used electronics. Return to the main page