E-scrap exportation: challenges and considerations

This paper describes the widespread exportation of electronic scrap (e-scrap) from the United States for purposes of recycling and the challenges this poses for both manufacturers and consumers of electronic equipment and the recyclers that service their disposition needs. Most industry experts conclude that export markets are critical for bringing new life to viable equipment that becomes obsolete by US. standards. For the purposes of this paper, viable, salable equipment is not included in what is described as e-scrap. E-scrap includes units and components that have only residual scrap value.