Electronics Recycling industry hit hard by depressed commodity prices: ISRI 2016 Convention

By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

April 20, 2016 02:52:28 AM

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): The ISRI 2016 Convention has noted that electronics recycling industry across the globe has been badly hit by declining commodity prices. The price crunch situation has led to diversification of many electronics recycling companies. The view was expressed by Jim Levine, chairman of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Electronics Division, in his introduction to the “Spotlight on Electronics” session at the ISRI 2016 Convention & Exposition held recently in Las Vegas.

Levine noted that many electronics recycling companies have expanded into the service sector of the industry. Many strategic partnerships were formed during recent times towards expansion of service to other areas including information technology asset disposition (ITAD) services.

Speaking at the session, Adam Minter, an expert in the field, observed that Western media reports very less about Chinese e-scrap industry. According to claims by Chinese administration, the country is the world’s largest e-scrap generator, he said. Estimates by the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) suggest that the country generated over 200 million units of e-scrap during the entire year 2015.

Minter noted that the country has a well-managed in-house program to deal with domestic e-waste, though it is not talked about much by global media. Minter added that only one-sixth of the e-scrap generated in the country currently makes its way into this program. The Chinese policy gives thrust on reuse of electronic goods. In fact, the reuse market has reported strong growth in the country during recent times. He noted that the US industry is currently ‘over-expanded’ and urged the US industry to transition away from a commodity business.