Technology Recycles Computer Parts, Reduces E-Waste

Posted

e-wasteAdvanced Recovery and Recycling has received $100,000 from the EPA to continue its development of an efficient technology that recycles circuit board components to reduce electronic waste from going to landfills and incinerators.

The funding was awarded to the New York-based firm through the EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research program competition.

In addition to improving computer recycling, Advanced Recovery and Recycling’s technology will reduce the amount of air pollutants that can end up in the environment, says Judith A. Enck, EPA Region 2 administrator.

The company’s circuit board technology removes electronic parts from printed circuit boards, which are found in virtually all electronics. The innovation reduces the amount of e-waste being processed by refineries. This is accomplished without burning, smelting, or using chemicals, which reduces air pollution and electronic waste in landfills and incinerators.

Less than one-sixth of last year’s e-waste is thought to have been diverted to proper recycling and reuse, according to the United Nations University, the UN’s think tank, which says global e-waste topped 41.8 million metric tons in 2014.

Photo Credit: e-waste via Shutterstock

Environment + Energy Leader