Historically, recycling certain materials, such as mixed plastics, foam, and composites, has presented significant challenges. However, recent technological advancements have dramatically improved the recyclability of these materials. Companies like Eastman and Agilyx have developed chemical recycling techniques, such as pyrolysis, transforming difficult-to-recycle plastics into reusable feedstock. Foam recycling has also advanced significantly, with companies like…
UNDERSTANDING ‘RIGHT TO REPAIR’ AND ITS IMPACT ON E-WASTE
The “Right to Repair” movement advocates for consumers and independent repair shops to have access to essential repair information and spare parts from manufacturers. This movement directly contributes to the reduction of electronic waste by extending the lifespan of electronic products. Legislation promoting the Right to Repair, such as Connecticut’s law enacted in 2022, mandates…
TRENDS IN DIGITAL INCLUSION AND E-WASTE PROGRAMS
Digital inclusion efforts and e-waste management have become increasingly interconnected, reflecting broader trends toward sustainability and equitable access to technology. Nationwide, nonprofit organizations actively refurbish and redistribute donated electronic devices, directly addressing the digital divide. Prominent organizations like Digitunity and World Computer Exchange exemplify this integrated approach by leveraging refurbished devices to provide technology access…
THE PROFITIBILITY OF RECYCLING E-WASTE
Recycling electronic waste can indeed be profitable, though the industry often faces slim profit margins. The profitability depends significantly on the type of scrap materials recycled and the scale of operations. Key materials commonly recovered from e-waste include copper from wires, aluminum from casings, precious metals from circuit boards (gold, silver, platinum, palladium), and recyclable…
CURRENT E-WASTE STATISTICS IN THE U.S. AND CONNECTICUT
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is rapidly becoming one of the largest waste streams in the United States. Currently, Americans produce approximately 8 million tons of e-waste annually. This figure translates to around 666,000 tons of e-waste each month, averaging about 47 pounds per person per year. In Connecticut, significant strides have been made in managing…