Recycling is a complex process, but it does not have to be. Not only does recycling responsibly help with conservation of natural resources, but it is also a wonderful way to help human health. 

Reusing the old resources means lessening harmful disruption and damage done to the natural world: fewer forests cut down, rivers diverted, wild animals harmed or displaced, and less pollution of water, soil, and air. In terms of e-waste management, it also means less minerals mined from the ground, and disposed of in landfills, where mercury and lead leaches out.  

In the year 2023, we see a collective push towards a cohesive strategy to handle recycling challenges from both government and non-government agencies in the US. From October - December, we saw significant efforts made by multiple stakeholders to streamline the recycling processes, especially that of e-waste. Here is a list of some of the most notable e-waste management recycling efforts from across the US and the globe. 

Also Read:

Year in Review 2023: E-waste Recycling News that Amazed Us (Part 1 of 4)

Year in Review 2023: E-waste Recycling News that Amazed Us (Part 2 of 4)

Year in Review 2023: E-waste Recycling News that Amazed Us (Part 3 of 4)

Experts Warn Against Increasing Recycling Center Fires 

2023 was marred with horrible fire incidents in multiple recycling centers across the USA. Experts now advise extreme caution against improper material sorting and handling to avoid triggering a fire. The culprit remains irregular Li-ion battery sorting processes.  

Li-ion batteries can be commonly found in every household item. Contrary to their predecessor, lithium-ion batteries contain highly reactive electrolytes. These substances can very easily explode if short-circuited. 

Experts are calling for minimal use of problematic items from the market, such as disposable e-cigarettes, musical greeting cards, and "luminous" shoes for kids. Some recycling companies are mulling over installing AI-driven robotic arms to sort metal waste for better control. Experts are also calling upon public authorities to finance public awareness campaigns, insurance companies to establish disaster funds aiding businesses affected by battery-related fires, and battery producers to fund research into advanced lithium-ion battery detection systems. 

Toys Produce Far More Electronic Waste Than Vapes 

Over 3 billion kilograms (about 6,613,860,000 lbs.) of valuable electronics are thrown out each year – inside children’s toys. This number surpasses that of the e-waste generated by e-cigs and vapes, according to research by the United Nations in collaboration with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum. 

The UN is calling this e-waste “invisible” because we usually do not think of this source of e-waste, and this invisible e-waste comes out to be more than $10 billion (about $31 per person in the US). Toys contribute 77 times more to the world’s invisible e-waste than vapes, which account for 42 million kilograms (about 92,594,040 lbs.) a year. The UN estimates that 844 million vapes are thrown away every year.  

“We’re trying to make people understand that the items they may not suspect are electronics actually do contain a lot of precious materials, like copper and rare earth [elements],” says Magdalena Charytanowicz at the WEEE Forum. The reason people do not think of recycling toys is that they do not understand how much these toys are worth if they are recycled.  

New Fluorescent Lightbulb Restrictions to Take Effect From 2024 

From January 2024, new fluorescent lightbulb restrictions will take effect in Vermont. These restrictions will ban the sale of general purpose, indoor/outdoor, residential, and business mercury-containing four-foot linear, compact fluorescent lightbulbs.  

If your home or business currently uses these fluorescent bulbs, you will not be able to buy more after January 1, 2024. If your business sells these bulbs online or in a store, you will not be able to do so next year. 

Another good thing about these restrictions is the responsibility of recycling. Any manufacturer who sold or sells these mercury-containing lightbulbs must pay for the collection and recycling of used bulbs. According to the law, anyone can bring up to ten general-purpose mercury-containing lightbulbs to free collection locations across the state. 

Other ultraviolet, germicidal, and purifier/sanitizer bulbs are not included in this law. Laws like that are already enforced in other states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, etc. There is yet to be a national strategy for recycling e-waste responsibly in the USA.  

What is ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers’ Program? 

R-C-Rome 53 and the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center collaborated to produce 400 gently used mobile devices and donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers. These devices are aimed at helping deployed military and veterans connect with their families and loved ones.  

60,000 minutes (about 1 and a half months) of free calls will be provided to men and women serving in the military and veterans in need. All proceeds from the recycled devices will be used to buy long-distance calling cards for troops at home and abroad. 

Almost 15,000 calling cards are donated each week to US armed forces all over the world. In addition, care package programs, deployment ceremonies and VA hospitals. Initiatives like these not only help soldiers connect to their loved ones, but they also utilize the resources of thrown-out or donated mobile phones, giving them a second life. 

Conclusion 

The rapid growth of electronic devices comes with a significant cost to the environment. E-waste, i.e., discarded phones, laptops, and other electronics, poses a growing threat to our planet. Landfills overflow with these complex devices, releasing harmful chemicals like heavy metals and lead into the environment, contaminating ecosystems and jeopardizing public health.  

Studies have documented a direct correlation between e-waste and elevated levels of these toxins in landfills, underscoring the urgency of addressing this challenge. It is why we require constructive solutions, transitioning from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular economy. 

Imagine a future where discarded screens become building blocks for new tech gadgets, giving a new meaning to the second lives of gadgets. These are not just pipe dreams but can become concrete steps towards a more sustainable future. 

They say new is always better than what better way to decorate our houses this winter than to go for new things. Although, buying new things would mean you would need to get rid of the old ones and that can be troubling this Christmas weekend. But this will not be a problem anymore with Recycle Technologies’ Recycling Kits.  

Recycling Kits for Various Waste Types 

At Recycle Technologies, we aim to supply recycling kits for every single type of material so that you don’t get left out. While these kits may differ in their components and containers, they all have one thing in common which is safe and secure packaging. Each kit includes a plastic pail, heavy-duty recyclable cardboard box, strong plastic liner, zip tie and pre-paid return shipping label. With these things complete all you need to do is fill it with the right materials, safely pack it and drop it off at the nearest FedEx.    

Bulb Recycling Kit 

It is dangerous to dispose of mercury-containing lamps and light bulbs in the garbage. They have mercury, which can harm water supplies. Mercury poisoning can have serious consequences for the population. As a result, our mercury recycling kits are the ideal approach to disposing of mercury-containing light bulbs and lamps. Our recycling kits make it simple to dispose of used CFL and Light Bulb Recycling Kits this Christmas. These are the many different types of lamps/ bulbs that can be transported in our recycling kit. 

• Coated Fluorescent Lamps  
• Compact Fluorescent Lamp 
• U-Bend Fluorescent 
• High-Intensity Discharge lamps 
• Shatter Shield Lamps 
• UV Lamps 
• LED Tubes 
• T12 Lamps 
• T8 Lamps 

Battery Recycling Kit 

Batteries dumped in the garbage are not recycled. Instead, they end up in landfills, where they might get contaminated. This pollution is one of the reasons why many states prohibit the disposal of batteries in municipal waste. Instead, they have provided you with choices for properly disposing of them. You may properly dispose of them by visiting the nearest recycling facility or by using a disposal kit. Our Service allows you to get rid of your batteries while still being at home. The Mailing in Recycle Service from Recycle Technologies is unique in that it allows you to dispose of batteries in an environmentally friendly way. Our battery recycling kits aids you in disposing of batteries listed below:  

• Lithium Batteries 
• Lead Acid Batteries 
• Laptop Battery 
• Dry Cell Batteries 

Airbag Recycling Kit 

Inflators in most airbag units rely on sodium azide to create the gas that inflates the bag in the event of a collision. Ammonium Nitrate is another propellant used in airbag inflators. Sodium azide itself is toxic, dangerous to inhale, and can burn exposed skin. When combined with water, it forms hydrazoic acid, which is also extremely dangerous and can infiltrate groundwater. 

If these airbags aren't recycled, they end up in landfills and scrapyards, where they end up being more hazardous to the environment. Plastic and metal from destroyed airbags may be recovered, repurposed, and utilized to produce new goods in an environmentally friendly way. 

Electronic Waste Recycling Kit 

Unlike biodegradable garbage, you cannot simply throw your old or damaged gadgets in a trash bin and call it a day. The main reason for this is the industrial materials used in the construction of many of these pieces of equipment. Metals such as lead and mercury, for example, can creep into soil and water if not properly disposed of. Recycling enables you to save energy and restore a resource that would otherwise have to be extracted fresh from the earth, resulting in a healthier carbon footprint and environment.  Electronic trash includes the following items: 

• Computers 
• Mobile Cell Phones 
• Landline Phones 
• Monitors 
• LCD Screens 
• Circuit Boards, and other electronic devices. 

Non-PCB Ballast Recycling Kit 

Many of you are in the momentum of replacing the old lamps/ bulbs and clearing out the storage to make way for new things this Christmas. In this time, all your non-PCB lights would be left to rot in the garbage. The CFL includes a few critical components to generate visible light, including elemental mercury vapor, a noble gas (argon, xenon, neon, or krypton), and an interior coating called a phosphor, which is the material responsible for the CFL creating visible light. When these components are left in garbage, they can combine with other materials to form something harmful. 

Recycle Technologies offers an excellent approach to stop this endangerment and reuse the materials from the ballasts. We have a one-of-a-kind mail-in program for non-PCB ballast which people can use to send in their ballasts to our recycling centers. 

Mercury Device Recycling Kit 

Mercury is well-known for its acute sensitivity to environmental changes. As a result, it is found in everything from fluorescent lights to thermostats, and it is employed in chemicals or electronic devices. Mercury exposure can impair the neurological system, kidneys, liver, and immunological system, depending on the kind and amount.  

Its vapors can be toxic to the nervous system, lungs, and kidneys. As a result, there is an obligation to recycle these mercury-containing equipment, yet some of it might be delicate. We have produced Recycling Kits designed specifically for this purpose to ensure that the gadgets still are safe and secure throughout the journey. 

Smoke Detector Recycling Kit 

While a smoke detector is designed to warn you of danger, it does not warn you of the risk itself. A smoke detector includes a trace quantity of radioactivity. The Americium-241 within the smoke detector is shielded by a metal coating and cannot hurt you if kept confined. However, if it escapes, it might badly harm everyone who comes into touch with it. With Recycle Technologies’ Smoke Detector Recycling Kit you can rest assured that you won't need to look further for recycling.  

Get Your Recycling Wishes Fulfilled This Christmas 

Our major goal at Recycle Technologies is to support and protect the environment for a more sustainable future. We do this by preventing hazardous materials from winding up in incinerators and garbage dumps, where they are of no service to anybody. Aside from these recycling kits, we provide alternative recycling procedures that will meet all your needs. Click on this link to learn more about Recycle Technologies.

Recycling is a complex process, which is why it makes some skeptics feel like it is not as effective as science says. Not only does recycling responsibly help with conservation of natural resources, but it is also a wonderful way to help human health. 

Reusing the old resources means lessening harmful disruption and damage done to the natural world: fewer forests cut down, rivers diverted, wild animals harmed or displaced, and less pollution of water, soil, and air. In terms of e-waste management, it also means less minerals mined from the ground, and disposed of in landfills, where mercury and lead leaches out.  

In the year 2023, we see a collective push towards a cohesive strategy to handle recycling challenges from both government and non-government agencies in the US. From July – September, we saw significant efforts made by multiple stakeholders to streamline the recycling processes, especially that of e-waste. Here is a list of some of the most notable e-waste management recycling efforts from across the US and the globe. 

Scientists Say There is A Better Way to Recycle Smartphones 

Smartphones are notorious in the world of recycling. The process of extracting precious metals like copper and silver from smartphones is difficult and renders little return, hence their unrecyclable property. 

However, not all is lost. Jennifer Switzer, a Ph.D. student in computer science at UC San Diego and her colleagues think they have found a way to put an old smartphone’s processing power into cloud computing or in a company data center.  

“So, if we can collect up old unwanted phones and redeploy them in, for instance, a data center, then we would reduce the number of new hardware that we need to build,” Switzer said. She also believes the processors in these discarded smartphones can run for another six years after use. 

The team knows that even though these assembled processors would not be a consumer product, they could still appeal to data centers, and other larger tech companies who would want to store customer data for smooth functionality. Clients for such a product would include companies like Google. 

Improved Efforts to Recycle Lab Gloves Sustainably 

Florida University students have innovated ways to recycle safety gloves. Kristen Weeks and Carley Reid, chemistry graduate students initiated their project at the College of Charleston in South Carolina after getting impressed by sustainability measures.  

Through the FSU Sustainable Campus Green Fund Grant, the team secured $5,000 in seed money to kickstart their initiative. The funding enabled them to purchase specially designed collection boxes for communal areas in their research buildings. 

Their solution comes with partnership with TerraCycle, a company that specializes in recycling materials that are difficult to recycle conventionally. TerraCycle uses their current infrastructure to transform gloves into products such as park equipment, benches, Frisbees, and coasters.  

The recycling program currently does not accept other types of protective gear, such as hair nets, earplugs, and lab coats or garments. It also does not accept biodegradable gloves or other medical waste. 

The Formula E-car Made Entirely from E-waste 

Envision Racing's Recover-e Formula E Gen3 car in partnership with actor and artist Aidan Gallagher and designer Liam Hopkins, decided to do something different by building the Recover-e, a Formula E Gen3 car, which is made entirely from e-waste.  

"The purpose of [the project] is to open up the discussion of e-waste in an exciting way. What can be more exciting than building a racecar?" said Gallagher on the project. Gallagher also cites that it was a childhood passion to do something about landfill pollution, and the e-waste car manufacturing was a perfect opportunity to contribute to sustainability.  

The e-waste car is a step to initiate mass-produced Formula 1 cars for the future. The elemental metals used in different circuits are hardly 100% salvageable. Using old circuit boards which have been discarded after use can make the perfect body of the car, as developed by Recover-e Formula E Gen3 car.  

These circuits were obtained from phones, laptops, VCRs, old VHS players, computers, and separated motherboards.  

Can Robotic Arms Help Solve the E-waste Management Issues? 

Sifting through the piles of garbage that arrives at any recycling facility has been a chore. Fortunately, there are robotics companies actively trying to automate the sifting process. EverestLabs tops the list of such companies with their new and unique method of attaching robotic arms at the end of an AI-powered computer.  

The company puts 3D depth-sensing cameras on recycling conveyor lines. The cameras can identify up to 200 items in each frame. “We get data around brands, types of packaging, types of material and how much of that is getting recovered and reused, and how much of that material is being sent to the landfill,” said JD Ambati, the CEO of EverestLabs.  

Within 12 milliseconds, the AI software can tell what those objects are and what types of packaging they contain. With the new advanced sifting version, Everest Labs have claimed to boost the segregating process by 30% more than human speed.  

Japan’s EV Battery Ambitions Need to Overcome Hurdles 

In June, Toyota announced they have a goal of 3.5mn electric vehicles by 2030 in the island nation. The company recently broke news with their revolutionary solid-state battery technology, aiming to halve EV batteries' size, weight, and cost. The new tech is expected to solve EV battery issues like capacity and fire risk. However, the problem arose when Japan decided to make and recycle such batteries domestically. 

Having strong US ties, Japan needs to stop its reliance on Chinese raw materials necessary to develop these batteries in the first place. Even though Japanese government is trying to domestically produce these electric batteries, they would need 100,000 tons of lithium a year, 90,000 tons of nickel, 150,000 tons of graphite, 20,000 tons of cobalt, and 20,000 tons of manganese, according to data provider Argus Media 

Recycling EV batteries also means not relying on virgin raw materials every time a battery is made. It is an excellent opportunity for Toyota to set an example and change its ways to become more eco-friendly.

Also Read:

Year in Review 2023: E-waste Recycling News that Amazed Us (Part 1 of 4) 

Year in Review 2023: E-waste Recycling News that Amazed Us (Part 2 of 4)

Conclusion 

The rapid growth of electronic devices comes with a significant cost to the environment. E-waste, i.e., discarded phones, laptops, and other electronics, poses a growing threat to our planet. Landfills overflow with these complex devices, releasing harmful chemicals like heavy metals and lead into the environment, contaminating ecosystems and jeopardizing public health.  

Studies have documented a direct correlation between e-waste and elevated levels of these toxins in landfills, underscoring the urgency of addressing this challenge. It is why we require constructive solutions, transitioning from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular economy. 

Imagine a future where discarded screens become building blocks for new tech gadgets, giving a new meaning to the second lives of gadgets. These are not just pipe dreams but can become concrete steps towards a more sustainable future. 

Technology is advancing at a fast pace. The same goes for consumers. The main issue is electronic waste. What we are going to do will be all the electronics that are no longer of us. Of course, the best discourse is to reuse them. But at one point an electronic device exceeds its limitations and becomes scrap. Recycling is the only way we can make a difference. We can use it to reclaim resources that are hard to mine. Rare earths and precious metals. 

Thinking outside the box 

We can reduce the damage to our ecosystem by thinking creatively. By creating a system where we can reclaim resources, we can help create new products. E-waste will soon become harder to handle. As we have no other ways to properly dispose of it. Many customers think landfills are the best place for this disposal. But they have no clue about what kind of danger that poses. Spent Electronics such as smartphones contain lithium. These are highly hazardous when they encounter water. So why create a consequence when you know you will never recover from the damage?  

What is in our electronics? 

Electronic waste contains a mix of hazardous chemicals and materials that can be a danger to you and the environment. Whenever electronics are thrown in trash or landfills, they pose dire consequences for communities. According to EPA, these are all the common materials found in every electronics you currently have in use:  

• Lead is a dangerous material. It can lead to lead poisoning. This can damage your kidneys.  
• Mercury found in lamps can cause brain, lung, and kidney damage if not properly disposed of.  
• Cadmium is present in chips, batteries, and plastics. Irregular disposal of this element can cause kidney, bone, and lung diseases.  

 Reality Check 

Not properly disposing of these materials can lead these chemicals to contaminate you and your surroundings. This poses an elevated risk to the environment and cleaning up will take decades. Look at the BP oil spill. Organization is still cleaning. Despite the clear hazards, people still throw electronics thinking they will be recycled. But that is not the case. Your local municipal does not recycle. We do. They either store them or landfill them. The number of fires that you are hearing about in the news today. Disposing of electronics in the trash is the main cause.  

 Electronic Waste Solutions that matter 

To contain this rising e-waste, we need to find solutions to that matter. Some might suggest we move towards chemical recycling. In my book it is mostly snake oil. The shredding process is one of the best ways to do so. Of course, the manual sorting seems a catastrophe waiting to happen. But we can use artificial tech to fill in gaps where we think the waste stream is not doing the deed. Also, manufacturers of these electronics need to rethink how they design their products. That is something we have zero control over. Plastic one of the greatest inventions of the last century is going to kill us down the road. This element's disposal rate is so high that getting rid of it is going to take 500 years.  

 Can a national policy on electronic waste work? 

We require a national policy to take care of e-waste. Look at what the Chinese are doing so good. This is because they have created a simple system where they fully recycle their electronic waste, reclaim the resources, and create newer products. If only we started doing it. But we will not as we care less. China might be the enemy we think of, but that is not the case. The real enemy is us as we do not recycle properly. Our 2023 recycling rate is only 32%.  

Conclusion 

Creating Better recycling programs to combat e-waste is the only option we have. This will ensure that each state does its part when it comes to curbing this living eco-bomb. For years, we have been using China as a dumping ground for our waste. But that is not the case anymore. We need to recycle our trash. Especially our e-waste. More than half of our states are doing their part. By creating state and federal laws that prevent electronics from being dumped in trash. But we need to be more vigilant. By using circular economy as a tool, we can create jobs and reclaim resources. Why harm the planet earth by mining resources?  

Here is a thought you can ponder on. Do we have another earth? The answer is NO. Then why damage it? 

With each passing year, recycling companies and researchers put significant efforts into handling the growing e-waste concerns. Many of these efforts revolve around making sustainable practices a norm while trying to find better ways to stop the production of hazardous materials.  

As a move to be ecologically responsible, we saw many unique efforts, such as making jewelry items made from rare earth metals obtained from discarded smartphones, how bio-microbes and AI are shaping up a new era for recycling, and better ways to transition from carbon-dependent energy sources, e.g., Li-ion batteries.  

From April – June 2023, many new improvements emerged from the recycling community: people as well as conglomerates took steps to initiate and sustain a circular economy using unique and peculiar scientific approaches. Let us look.  

Research Finds Minnesota’s E-Waste Worth More than $2.8B Annually 

In the state of Minnesota, experts figured out that over 266 million pounds (about 120,655,472 kgs) of electronic waste are available for recycling. According to the peer-reviewed pilot study, only 23.7% of it gets recycled. 

The study used reports and local data on e-waste to look at 62 different elements, including the salvageable metals from the tech gadgets. According to the statistical findings, the top elements by weight at a 100% recycling rate were iron (40.6%), copper (32.2%), tin (9.6%) and aluminum (8.5%). The top e-waste by value included palladium (53.5%), platinum (36.5%), copper (3.8%) and tin (3.6%).  

Moreover, if Minnesota adopts 100% recycling practices, they can directly create a total of 3,345 new jobs. You can read more of it in our blog here.   

Xbox Debuts a Sustainable Controller Made Out of Regrind Materials 

Xbox debuted a limited-edition sustainable controller on Earth Day in April 2023, with great acclaim. The company claimed that their Remix Edition Controller is made from regrind plastics (1/3 of its proportion).  

Xbox defined the term “regrind” as obtaining materials from Xbox One generation controllers, which still makes durable new products. Because the recycled materials are mixed with resin before setting in the manufacturing process, the Remix controllers had a distinct earthy green color.  

Each controller comes with a patchwork colorway inspired by the Pacific Northwest Forest, consisting of dark green encasing with a bright green Xbox button and D-pad.  

Using Blockchain to Track E-Waste? Here’s How 

The major hurdles in achieving sustainability regarding e-waste are a lack of standardization, and consumer trust and attitude towards recycling. Since each electronic device manufacturer uses a separate set of rules, they make it difficult to track used products once they are discarded or given off for renewal or refurbishing. 

Researchers propose new ways to handle the chain of authority to help contain e-waste. One of the clever ways is to utilize blockchain technology. In this way, e-waste management companies could track the lifecycle of a device, including its manufacturing, distribution, ownership, and disposal. The challenge here will be creating a secure and immutable record of a device’s history, but it would increase consumer trust and enable their sale at higher prices. 

By tracking the lifecycle of a device, it is possible to streamline refurbishment, recycling and resell processes, leading to faster turnaround times and lower costs. These efficiency savings would present more opportunities for manufacturers and individuals to participate in the circular economy. 

Your iPhone 17 Might Contain a Recycled Battery 

Apple might have taken the first step towards a greener future by introducing USB-C cable, but they are far from there. Beginning 2025, Apple will use 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries in a move to please the market-base in the EU. Cobalt is currently the poster child of mining injustices in Africa, and to get rid of such a revenue-intensive market can create some blowback, hence the time they are taking to squeeze a way out.  

The company also said that by 2025, it plans to use recycled rare-earth elements in its magnet ends of Apple watch chargers, and recycled materials for the tin soldering and gold plating used for its circuit boards. It remains to be seen whether other cellular phone manufacturers will adopt the same policies, or follow the EV route, where they keep neglecting the harmful effects caused by Li-ion batteries.  

Is There a New Way to Obtain Metals from Lithium-ion Battery? 

Speaking of obtaining metals from recycled Li-ion batteries, scientists discovered a revolutionary way to sort things out. As we know, Lithium-ion batteries degrade slowly over their lifetime, losing anywhere from 12% to 24% of their total capacity over 500 charging and discharging cycles. 

Recycling these batteries using hydrometallurgy has proven itself to be a costly way to handle the waste, rendering the rate of Li-ion battery recycling lower than expected. To address this issue, an interdisciplinary research group led by Professor Bartosz A. Grzybowski at the Center of Soft and Living Matter within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), South Korea, produced an exciting way to obtain valuable metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, from spent lithium-ion batteries. They proposed using spinning concentric liquid reactors.  

Using the same basic components of hydrometallurgy, the team used a reactor which could be vigorously stirred and emulsified without the coalescence of aqueous layers. The rotation of these mixtures sorted the metals out based on the pH differences, which is a genius way of separating metals. Professor Grzybowski explained that the technology they have developed is “tunable to different feed metal compositions” which means this separation process works for metals other than the ones used in Li-ion batteries.  

Conclusion 

Properly recycling e-waste protects our environment and future. It conserves precious resources, prevents harmful chemicals from entering ecosystems, and reduces pollution and carbon footprint. As e-waste grows rapidly, proper disposal is crucial. Studies show heavy metals and lead from e-waste directly contribute to their higher presence in landfills. Fortunately, researchers are developing innovative solutions for sustainable e-waste recycling, aiming for a circular economy. 

The efforts of researchers and recycling companies offer a glimmer of hope in the face of this environmental crisis. Unless we embrace responsible e-waste management practices, we risk leaving a poisoned inheritance for future generations. It is time to raise awareness, adopt sustainable solutions, and ensure a healthier planet for all.

Recycling might feel preachy at times, but there are many reasons why you need to pay attention to its necessity. Not only does recycling help with a marked reduction in carbon footprints, but it also reduces the need for raw material mining, energy saving and bottlenecking greenhouse gases. All such steps ultimately help us fight against pollution and environmental degradation, making the planet greener and sustainable. The best bet for bringing in that sustainable future is via recycling agents and facilities.  

In the month of November, many interesting developments occurred in the field of recycling, many of which you might have missed on the mainstream media. Do not worry, we have got you covered with our exclusive monthly recycling news roundup about recycling grants, happenings in battery recycling, newer ways to handle e-waste, and much more. 

EPA Plans to Award $93M Grant to Recycling Facilities 

On America Recycles Day, President Biden urged people to “secure a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future” by practicing recycling techniques. He also delegated award money $105 million in grants for recycling and waste infrastructure to EPA last month. 

In November, EPA decided to spread that share with 84 local recycling facilities. The grant-winning projects include installing mobile recycling stations on various tribal lands, purchasing equipment such as balers, and constructing an energy-efficient cardboard recycling facility. 

Editor’s Opinion:  

I believe the real hurdle in recycling is the confusion it entails, especially when it comes to which niches should get priority over others. E-waste is a huge problem, with little to no delegated grants from the government or NGO levels.  

In addition to efforts for gearing up paper and plastic recycling, a push towards e-waste recycling will help us as well. We have yet to see any promising solid efforts for e-waste management.  

Want to Get $5 for Every Battery You Recycle? Here’s How  

Chris Eachus, a New York State Assemblyman wants to give a $5 incentive to return their rechargeable batteries to retailers as they are replaced. 

“Retailers (can) charge a $5 ‘NYS Return Incentive Payment’ unless a used battery is returned at the time of purchase (or within a month of purchase, in which case they must issue a refund),” he wrote in his legislative justification.  

These measures come alongside Washington lawmakers’ efforts to curb battery recycling issues. The state’s Department of Ecology is expected to present their preliminary policy recommendations for how to handle electric vehicle batteries early next month for the 2023-24 year.  

Editor's Opinion:

The battery recycling incentive seems promising for the promotion of such ecological healthy activities. These incentives will also make recycling a part of the dining table talk, which creates further awareness and helps quantify human emotion aspect of the recycling process. I think it would be even more fruitful if this initiative expanded to other states as well.   

It is a welcoming sight to note that states and counties where proper battery recycling facilities are lacking, are coming up with plans to finalize recycling plans.  

Toyota to Recycle Car Batteries? 

Toyota is already in talks with a U.S-based e-waste recycler company, Redwood Materials, for a comprehensive recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing facility. The agreement comes on top of the previously signed treatment with the same company to collect and test Toyota’s EV car batteries in the US. 

With a domestic battery supply chain factory, Toyota is now eyeing to recycle nearly five million operating units. Using recycled raw materials such as lithium, nickel and copper can reduce the cost of producing new batteries.  

For Toyota’s products, Redwood is targeting a minimum of 20% recycled nickel, 20% recycled lithium, and 50% recycled cobalt in the cathode material as well as 100% recycled copper in the anode foil. The recycled materials are to be supplemented by mined primary materials purchased from external partners.  

Toyota’s battery factory in North Carolina is scheduled to go into operation in 2025. 

Editor’s Opinion:

To consider repurposing and recycling of battery materials here in the United States can be a great way to cut foreign reliance. It is no secret that we still rely on China for most of our raw materials. If Redwood gets back what they predict from the Toyota agreement, it will be a great model for other companies to follow suit.  

Companies such as Recycle Technologies are already promoting safer means for EV battery recycling methods.  

EV Batteries Now Getting Recycled by Bacteria? 

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland are investigating a way to recycle batteries using bacteria. These bacteria are not just any type of micro-organisms, they are bred in labs specifically to bioengineer the metallic content of EV batteries.  

Their new method involves combining metal and the bacteria in the form of slurry mixture. What ends up happening is that the microbes feast on the metal slurry, depositing their excreta as samples for recycled battery material. 

This process can yield silts of cobalt, manganese, nickel, and lithium successfully. However, if commercialized, these processes can increase the process of EV battery recycling significantly lucratively.  

Editor’s Opinion:

Are bacteria the future of battery recycling? Who’s to say otherwise if promising results like these come up. The use of bioengineering to break down materials is not a new concept — there’s similar research exploring bacteria to tackle the issue of microplastics and PFAS (non-degradable synthetics), though it’s all still in the very early stages.  

At Recycle Technologies, we are constantly evolving our methods of battery recycling, including EV and alkaline. Imagining a scenario where bioengineered bacteria lead to a revolution in battery recycling companies can be a huge achievement.  

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is a joyous time, an official start of the holiday season. It is the time to get together for big meals and food, however, what do you do for the leftovers and waste? Of course, you find a way to recycle the food and waste. When it comes to electronic waste disposal, it is no different than plastic waste management during the festivities.  

Proper e-waste recycling dictates that people understand their buying choices, means to recycle their old electronics, and how their choices are impacting the planet. Since many people would be looking forward to Thanksgiving weekend for their Christmas gift shopping like laptops, TVs, and appliances, it is the best time to talk about electronics recycling. 

Recycling companies such as Recycle Technologies are making great strides at minimizing electronic gadgets ending up in landfills and incinerators in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We want to be your primary choice for recycling needs this turkey season. It is our goal to prevent as many electronic components as possible from ending up in the trash bin by implementing proactive recycling measures.  

Understanding the Impact of Electronic Waste  

Electronic waste comprises discarded electronic devices, ranging from old smartphones and laptops to obsolete kitchen appliances.  

Despite local municipality laws in many states across the country, many people improperly disposed of these items, which contribute to environmental pollution and health hazards. Toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium found in electronic devices can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to both the environment and human health. Plus, many components contain various plastics and polymers which are incredibly hard to degrade and mix with the soil, corroding the natural ecosystem. 

This Thanksgiving, we need to take a step back and recognize the impact of our shortsighted choices to spread e-waste as the first step toward adopting responsible disposal practices. 

Ways for Thanksgiving Electronic Waste Disposal  

With the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on the latest tech gadgets, it is understandable that you would want to grab as many as possible. What recycling companies such as Recycle Technologies recommend is to think about the device you are discarding in favor of the new one. We think it is a process of applying in practice – and something we can all learn.  

Here are some tips to be more ecologically sensitive, and play a crucial role in making our planet greener: 

Gathering E-waste 

So, you have settled on a new iPhone or a laptop and have decided to buy it in the Thanksgiving sales. You can gather all your older technology gadgets and bundle them together. Call it Thanksgiving E-waste Inventory just to make it fun for your kid and family. 

For small pieces of electronics waste, we recommend you take a Ziploc bag and secure them in a bunch. Getting them in an air-tight encasing is even better. Especially for Li-ion batteries, which leak toxic chemicals when busted or damaged. It is the same reason recyclers discourage households from chucking these out with your trash.  

Just a quick reminder: After gathering your electronic devices, make sure that all the sensitive information is wiped off from them to provide you a safe exit in the form of donating or recycling. This reminder is especially useful for corporate offices which have data stored on servers and hard drives, which can be detrimental to the company if fallen into the wrong hands. 

Electronic Waste Disposal: Donating Is an Option 

Before disposing of your electronic devices, assess their usability. If they are still in good working condition, consider donating them to charities, schools, or community organizations.  

Many organizations accept used electronics and refurbish or renew them for those in need. By donating, you extend the lifespan of these gadgets and reduce the overall e-waste generated. 

If you do not think your electronics are salvageable, you should look for a reputable recycling company near you. Fortunately for the residents of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Recycle Technologies is already the number one choice for e-waste disposal handling with quality measures.  

Recycle Technologies Recycling Processes 

Convenient Drop-offs 

Recycle Technologies offers convenient e-waste recycling services where you can drop off your unwanted gadgets, including old smartphones, laptops, printers, and gaming consoles. These devices will be dismantled, and their components will be recycled or disposed of responsibly, minimizing their environmental impact. 

Here Are Some of The Items You Can Drop off To Any one of Our Facilities: 

• Computers 
• Laptops 
• Servers 
• Monitors 
• Fax Machines  
• Printers 
• Scanners  
• Copiers 
• Microwaves 
• Televisions 
• Cell Phones 
• Computer paraphernalia such as keyboards, cables, and mice 

Mail-in Recycling Services and Kits 

We follow certified recycling practices to ensure the proper handling and disposal of e-waste. They comply with all environmental regulations and employ specialized processes to recover valuable materials while minimizing the environmental impact. By utilizing our services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your e-waste is being disposed of responsibly.  

Aside from our drop-off facilities, we also have a mail-in recycling service for people who cannot drop their electronic waste at our locations. Our electronic waste mail-in kits come with a disposal bag kit of various sizes which are already paid for. You can mail to us from anywhere in the country, making it convenient for everyone this Thanksgiving to be a member of ecological change. 

Conclusion 

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for what we have, including the environment we live in. By adopting sustainable practices and responsibly disposing of electronic waste, we can contribute to a healthier planet.  

Recycle Technologies offers convenient e-waste recycling services, allowing you to recycle unwanted gadgets and responsibly dispose of kitchen appliances. With a responsible recycling service at your disposal, you have an excellent opportunity to evaluate and donate/recycle your electronic devices to extend their lifespan and reduce e-waste. Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.  

This Thanksgiving let us express gratitude by practicing responsible electronic waste disposal with Recycle Technologies.