New Zealand based Mint Innovation, a clean technology company that focuses on developing unique biometallurgical approaches to recover precious metals from electronic waste, has unveiled what is described as ‘the world’s first e-scrap bio-refinery.’ Using a combination of chemistry and biology, the company’s technology offers local solutions for cities and regions overrun with electronic waste.…
In an effort to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, we’ll need to enter an energy revolution. Specifically, we’ll need to find ways to replace dirty, fossil fuel-based grids and vehicles with clean, carbon-free grids and electric vehicles (EVs). However making this into a reality will be a challenge due to the fact that…
Provided is a weekly snapshot of the recent electronic scrap, software and IoT related news that HOBIs’s blog reported during the week 6/03-607. China to issue import license by the end of June Reuters, an international news organization, reports China aims to grant import licenses and a first batch of import quotas by the end…
Provided is a weekly snapshot of the recent electronic scrap, wearable technology and 5G network related news that HOBI’s blog reported during the week 5/27-5/31. A proposed e-scrap export ban receives mixed responses A federal proposal to ban certain electronic scrap exports has received varied responses from electronic recycling stakeholders, who’s comments on the matter…
A federal proposal to ban certain e-scrap exports has received varied responses from electronic recycling stakeholders, who’s comments on the matter were publicly published last week. The proposed ban was headed by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, who have been aiming to alter requirements for…
Provided is a weekly summary of the electronics recycling, data center, and mobile technology related news that HOBI’s blog reported on during the week 4/29-5/03. Survey indicates consumer’s battery recycling habits need “recharging” A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Call2Recycle has developed a better understanding of consumer recycling behaviors. The…
Apple recently shared its 2019 Environmental Responsibility Report which details the progress the tech giant has made over the past year and alludes to what sustainable goals the company will be working towards in the years to come. The report release follows a string of electronic scrap related announcements that the company has made this…
How many times have your replaced your device’s batteries and then been at a lost on what to do with the old pair? It isn’t uncommon knowledge that batteries should be recycled — it’s just that many consumers don’t know how to recycle these devices and in their confusion, resign to simply tossing them in…
Last week, Apple released a press release announcing major expansions to their global recycling programs to include Best Buy stores in the U.S. and KPM locations in the Netherlands. This will greatly increase the number of places where customers can return old devices to ensure that they’re recycled properly. Previously, the only place to recycle…
Provided is a weekly snapshot of the recent ITAD, electronic recycling and mobile related news that HOBI’s blog reported during the week 2/25-3/01. Choosing the right ITAD and ITAM vendor As the IT industry has grown, so has the number of ITAD companies. And with so many options it can be easy to feel overwhelmed…
The WEEE Forum has urged the next EU Commission to deliver legally binding quality standards for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. This Brussels-based European non-profit association speaks for 36 not-for-profit waste electrical and electronic WEEE producer compliance schemes. These schemes come into play for electronic bikes and batteries. Earlier this month, during…
Electronic waste is one of the most concerning growing threats to the environment. Thanks to the low cost of production, it’ easier than ever for corporations to pump out millions of laptops, smartphones, IoT devices and other consumer gadgets. Electronic companies believe repair and reuse hurts their bottom line, therefore they push for consumers to…
Provided is a weekly snapshot of the recent data center, 5G technology, mobile and blockchain related news that HOBI’s blog reported during the week 1/14-1/18. Poor data-center configuration adds to growing e-waste crisis One significant contributor to the e-waste crisis is data centers. These centers are rapidly popping up all across the globe. And at…
The EPA notes that the rapid rate of data centers popping up around the world is having a terribly negative impact on the planet. One of the most obvious impacts is the sheer amount of power consumption. Data centers account or three percent of the global electricity supply and consume more power than the entire…
For years, batteries have been an omnipresent pain for recyclers. Not only is the material hazardous but they can be difficult and expensive to break apart. And it does not help that the value of these devices continues to plummet as cheaper batteries made with less complex materials begin to appear on the market. However,…