Newsworthy

METALS

SA Recycling expands in Arizona and Texas

SA Recycling LLC, based in Orange, California, has made two acquisitions that the company says will help it strengthen its business through the West.

The first deal involves the acquisition of Arizona Recycling Corp. (ARC), headquartered in Phoenix. ARC operates four ferrous and nonferrous yards in the Phoenix and Mesa areas and has maintained a long-term business relationship with SA Recycling.

The newly acquired Arizona facilities will act as feeder yards for SA Recycling’s Phoenix shredder operation, the company says, adding that none of the ARC facilities operate large-scale ferrous processing equipment.

The second acquisition is of Newell Recycling Co. of El Paso in that Texas city. The deal, the first for the company in Texas, also was the culmination of a long-term relationship between SA Recycling and Scott Newell, the owner of Newell Recycling of El Paso. The Texas scrap metal facility includes a shredding operation that will support SA Recycling’s existing business, according to the company.

SA Recycling says the acquisition of Newell Recycling Co. of El Paso is intended to supplement its existing operations and to add to the company’s feedstock supply. The addition of the shredder yard brings the number of auto shredders SA Recycling operates to seven.

 

METALS

Catalytic converter recycling plant to be built in Virginia

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has announced that Global Refining Group Inc., a sister company of ABC Recycling, headquartered in Kenbridge, Virginia, will invest $4.2 million to build a catalytic convertor recycling operation in the state’s Lunenburg County. ABC Recycling recycles vehicles, scrap metals and catalytic converters.

McAuliffe says, “This project is a great example of a spinoff company resulting from business success that will bring new jobs and investment to Lunenburg County. The rapid growth of ABC Recycling created the demand for the establishment of Global Refining Group, which will take the recycling process to the next step and become the premier East Coast location for catalytic convertor recycling.

He adds, “We welcome our newest corporate partner to Virginia and celebrate 30 new jobs in a region that continues to recover economically.”

“Lunenburg County is a great fit for Global Refining Group’s new catalytic convertor recycling operation,” says Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “In addition to its close proximity to sister company ABC Recycling, the county also offered an industrial building that has been recently retrofitted, allowing Global Refining Group to make some modifications and become operational in a shorter time frame. We look forward to the company’s future success in Virginia.”

Robert Szafranski, CEO of Global Refining Group, says, “Global Refining Group has chosen Kenbridge as its new home. Though other locations were considered, it was the hard work and diligence of Lunenburg County, the town of Kenbridge, the Tobacco Commission, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance and the governor that made this decision possible. The support that these offices have offered our company shows their interest lies not only in the growth of our company but the community as a whole. For this we thank them and look forward to a successful start in Lunenburg County.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Lunenburg County, the town of Kenbridge and Virginia’s Growth Alliance (VGA) to secure the project. McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Lunenburg County with the project, while the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $145,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project.

The company may be eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities.

“Our Board of Supervisors has enjoyed working with ABC Recycling since they opened in Kenbridge in 2006,” says Edward Pennington, chairman of the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors. “As successful businessmen, we are delighted that Mr. Szafranski and his partners have chosen our community to continue their expanding operations. We foresee the addition of other associated companies and more job creation as a result of Global Refining Group locating in Lunenburg. Our community appreciates the efforts of the state agencies, the VGA, the Tobacco Commission and the Governor’s Office to make this announcement possible.”

 

PLASTICS

Consolidated Container acquires Envision Plastics and Ecoplast Corp.

The private equity firm Bain Capital Private Equity, with U.S. locations in Boston and New York, through its affiliated investment in the plastic packaging company Consolidated Container Co. (CCC), has purchased the plastics recycling companies Envision Plastics, Reidsville, North Carolina, and Ecoplast Corp., Fontana, California, from founders Massoud Rad and Parham Yedidsion. Terms of the transaction were not immediately disclosed by the companies.

Seth Meisel, a managing director of Bain Capital, says, “We believe that recycling and sustainability are megatrends in the economy. We are excited to support the continued growth of Envision and Ecoplast in building on Massoud and Parham’s legacy. We believe that recycling is both a good financial investment and an important industry for our society.”

The two companies will operate as a stand-alone business led by Scott Booth and the companies’ existing management teams. Booth will report to Sean Fallmann, CCC CEO.

Booth says, “This is a tremendous opportunity for Envision and Ecoplast.”

He continues, “Parham and Massoud have been fantastic owners of the business, and we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.”

Booth continues, “Speaking for the employees of Envision and Ecoplast, we are excited to partner with our new owners, who also share our vision of growth and are prepared to continue to invest behind the full potential of our proprietary food-grade recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and our unique color-matched recycled HDPE technologies as we continue to grow our business.”

Envision Plastics was formed in 2001 after obtaining proprietary rights and patented technologies from Union Carbide. At the same time, two newly acquired plastics recycling facilities, in Reidsville and Chino, California, provided the manufacturing platforms needed for recycled HDPE resin production.

Established in 1963, Ecoplast Corp. supplies recycled and custom-compounded resins. The company says it is the oldest thermoplastics recycler in California.

CCC, headquartered in Atlanta, develops and manufactures rigid plastic packaging solutions. The company specializes in customized mid- and short-run packaging solutions, serving a diverse customer base in the dairy, household chemicals, food, industrial/specialty chemicals, water and beverage/juice markets. CCC has 56 manufacturing facilities.

 

ELECTRONICS

Sims Metal Management to restructure e-recycling business

Sims Metal Management Ltd., with corporate headquarters in Sydney and New York City, has announced restructuring initiatives that it says are designed to streamline Sims Recycling Solutions, its electronics recycling business.

The review has determined that certain loss-making assets are outside of the company’s strategic long-term interests. These operations include a substantial portion of Sims Recycling Solutions operations in the United Kingdom and all of the company’s operations in Canada. Legislation and market dynamics in the countries have resulted in these businesses being commercially unattractive to the company going forward, according to Sims Metal Management.

Sims Metal Management says it will redirect resources to other global business areas deemed to be more attractive. The company’s U.K. metals operations, its refrigeration recycling and IT asset management solutions will not be affected by the restructuring activities, according to the company, which adds that its Sims Recycling Solutions operations outside the U.K. and Canada also are not affected by the restructuring activities.

The Sims Recycling Solutions’ website lists Canadian locations in Langley, British Columbia; Mississauga, Ontario; and Laval, Quebec. In the United Kingdom, the company lists locations in Cheshire, Dumfriesshire, Glasgow, Gwent, Middlesex, Stockton-on-Tees and Warwickshire.

 

EVENTS

IFAT India prepares for its second edition

The second edition of the Indian trade fair for water, sewage, refuse and recycling industries, IFAT India, will be Oct. 9-11, 2014, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Mumbai.

IFAT India successfully premiered last year, according to show organizers, Messe Munchen International. It featured 131 exhibitors from 17 countries presenting their solutions and products to a total of 4,934 visitors.

The second edition of IFAT India also will provide a business-to-business platform with even greater participation from Indian and international exhibitors showcasing a range of environmental technology products and services in one of the world’s leading growth markets, according to the event’s organizers.

IFAT India 2014 is attracting strong interest from abroad: National pavilions for countries such as Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland are already being planned.

Companies wishing to exhibit at IFAT India can request application documentation through www.ifat-india.com, and visitors can gain free admission to the event after registering.

 

MUNICIPAL

Philadelphia extends program with Recyclebank

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has announced that the city and Recyclebank have renewed their partnership. Since 2010, Philadelphia and Recyclebank have collaborated on a program that rewards residents for curbside recycling.

The city says Philadelphia Recycling Rewards is one facet of what it calls a broad strategy to achieve a 25 percent residential diversion rate by 2015.

“In recent years, Philadelphia has made incredible strides in its ambitions to build a greener city, but we can all agree that there is more work to be done and we cannot do it alone,” says Nutter.

“I commend the Streets Department and Recyclebank on working together to continually encourage residents to improve their recycling participation,” he continues. “The Philadelphia Recycling Rewards Program continues to be a valuable resource in the city’s recycling success. The partnership with Recyclebank has been invaluable, and we look forward to our continued collaboration,” Nutter adds.

Because of the RecycleBank program and other factors, Philadelphia’s residential recycling tonnage increased from 74,800 tons per year in 2009 to 125,000 tons in 2014, the city says. During that time, the city benefited from $9.2 million in cumulative avoided disposal costs and additional recycling revenue. The residential curbside diversion rate stands at 22 percent.

“I am pleased that the city’s partnership with Recyclebank has brought much needed awareness of the importance of recycling,” says Philadelphia Streets Commissioner David Perri. “Renewing our partnership allows us to continue attaining many of our ‘green’ goals, while increasing participation in the Philadelphia Recycling Rewards Program.”

Javier Flaim, CEO of Recyclebank, adds, “We believe in the power of public-private partnerships in helping communities achieve their sustainability goals, and our work with Philadelphia is a prime example of the measurable impact that can be achieved.”

 

PAPER/MUNICIPAL

AF&PA joins Recycling Partnership

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, has joined the newly created Recycling Partnership, which was formed by the Southeast Recycling Development Council (SERDC) and the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP). AF&PA is considered an inaugural member.

The Recycling Partnership is designed to create public-private partnerships that provide grants and technical expertise to improve recycling efforts in the Southeast. The organization hopes to drive sustainable increases in the amount of recyclables recovered in the Southeast region and then to expand nationally, AF&PA says.

“The Recycling Partnership adds another important initiative to AF&PA’s ongoing efforts to increase paper and paper-based packaging recovery,” says AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.

AF&PA will serve on the organization’s Advisory Committee to help direct future funding and scope decisions.

“Part of what makes this project so exciting is that it is truly representative of the different sectors and materials of the recycling supply chain. It’s foundational to our success,” CVP Executive Director Keefe Harrison says. “We’re very pleased to have AF&PA as an active member of The Recycling Partnership.”

 

PLASTICS

Florida company to recycle agricultural plastic film

Florida Agricultural Plastic Recyclers LLC (FLAG), based in Avon Park, Florida, has announced the completion of a private placement with an international investor group that it says will allow it to begin implementing the first phase of its low-density polyethylene (LDPE) agricultural film recycling program. This phase will include the completion of two wash lines and the start of contracted sales of shredded and washed LDPE.

Joseph Miceli, president of FLAG, says, “This capital gives FLAG the opportunity to take advantage of a market abandoned by the recycling community. With favorable market conditions and FLAG’s position as the sole agricultural film recycler in Florida, this year, FLAG will be one of the largest ongoing suppliers of clean recycled LDPE film in the county, if not the world.”

Miceli says FLAG has more than 30 million pounds of used agricultural film in inventory and plans to collect another 30 to 40 million pounds annually through agreements with area farmers.

 

PLASTICS

Unifi expands Repreve facility

Unifi Inc., headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, has announced the planned expansion of its Repreve recycled-content-plastic fiber manufacturing plant, which opened in Yadkinville, North Carolina, in May 2010.

The expansion will increase the plant’s recycling capacity from 21,000 tons to 36,000 tons per year. The increase is driven by growing demand from corporations such as Ford, The North Face, Nike, Volcom and Patagonia, Unifi says.

The company says the expansion is expected to create 10 new jobs. The recent $5 million capital expenditure will bring the total investment in the Repreve Recycling Center since opening in 2010 to $15 million.

“Expanding our Repreve manufacturing capabilities highlights our commitment to the Repreve brand and provides increased flexibility to better serve our customers,” says Roger Berrier, president and chief operating officer of Unifi. “As we bring the new machinery online, it’s clear that the increased versatility will help better position Repreve to support the growth and demand for recycled products.”

The company says the largest and fastest growing segments for Repreve continue to be apparel and automotive. The expansion increases the availability of Repreve’s product offerings, such as lower deniers that support lighter-weight fashion trends, flame-retardant yarns and WaterWise color technology.

“The expansion also reflects our commitment to remain the market leader in recycled products and sustainable solutions,” Berrier adds.

 

METALS

CMC completes acquisition of Newell San Antonio shredder

Structural Metals Inc. has completed the purchase of an auto shredding plant from Newell Recycling of San Antonio LP, located in San Antonio, in a deal announced in late May.

Structural Metals is a wholly owned subsidiary of Commercial Metals Co. (CMC), a metals recycling, manufacturing, fabricating and trading enterprise headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Following the sale, Newell Ltd. will retain the company’s media plant operation in San Antonio as well as a shredding operation in Eagle Pass, Texas.

According to CMC, the acquisition of Newell Recycling’s assets provides raw materials, establishes a larger recycling presence in San Antonio and allows for continued recycling sector growth.

 

LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

California bill seeks to address ASR

California Senate bill SB 1249, which seeks to change the classification of auto shredder residue (ASR) to a potentially hazardous waste material and to address the safe handling of auto shredder residue, has passed the California State Senate by a vote of 23 to 12 and is slated to be considered by the California Assembly.

The bill, authored by State Sen. Jerry Hill, was introduced Feb. 14, 2014, and would require the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to conduct a full analysis of metal shredding facilities throughout the state and to implement regulatory classifications and oversight, according to a news advisory issued by Hill’s office.

If passed, the bill would authorize the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), in consultation with the state’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery and the California Water Resources Control Board, “to adopt regulations establishing alternative management standards for a metal shredding facility, including activities conducted within the boundaries of a metal shredding facility, and for the generation, storage, transportation and disposal of metal shredder residue and treated metal shredder residue, as defined, that would apply in lieu of the hazardous waste management standards if the department performs specified actions,” according to a May 8, 2014, legislative update. The agency would have to prepare preliminary and final analyses of the hazardous waste management activities addressed by the standard.

The bill also would prohibit the DTSC from adopting management standards that were less stringent than applicable standards under federal law and would require metal shredder residue and treated metal shredder residue to be disposed of in a specified manner.

The bill also would authorize the department to collect an annual fee from metal shredding facilities to cover the costs to the DTSC to implement these provisions.

Additionally, SB 1249 calls for the DTSC to focus on all aspects of the operation—from when the material arrives at the facility through to treatment, transport, disposal and storage—to ensure the shredding process is done in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

According to Hill, shredder facilities in the state are operating under hazardous waste exemptions dating back to the 1980s. The exemptions, the DTSC says, are “outdated and legally incorrect.”

Throughout the last decade, DTSC says it has concluded that ASR has exceeded state regulatory thresholds for lead, zinc and cadmium. “Over the last two decades, there have been multiple incidents across the state that have jeopardized human health and the environment and call into question the regulatory oversight of this industry,” according to the news release from Hill’s office.

When Hill introduced the bill, he noted that nearly 700,000 tons of ASR were disposed of every year. He also has referred to the impact of multiple fires at shredding facilities that have occurred over the past six years. The fires, he said, had caused “harmful plumes of smoke to billow over the Peninsula, impacting the health of residents.”

Meg Rosegay, a partner with the law firm Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw Pittman, which is representing the West Coast chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), says that the industry has been working with state regulators for decades on the issue and is seeking common ground.

Rather than being opposed to the proposed bill, Rosegay says the automobile shredding industry supports two of its provisions: one that gives the department the statutory ability to declassify the ASR as a nonhazardous material, depending on the results of ISRI-sponsored tests; and a provision that allows shredders to adopt alternative management standards while the material is being handled.

 

LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Battery groups introduce model recycling bill

The Corp. for Battery Recycling (CBR), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) and Call2Recycle have unveiled what the four groups are calling a model bill for battery recycling.

The groups say that for the first time battery interest groups have joined forces to take shared responsibility for the collection and recycling of all used primary, or single-use, batteries and rechargeable batteries. The model bill covers only consumer batteries.

The groups introduced the model bill at the Product Stewardship Institute’s National Batteries Stewardship Dialogue Meeting, June 11-12, 2014, in Hartford, Connecticut.

“This groundbreaking initiative, led by CBR member companies, Energizer, Duracell and Panasonic, exemplifies our commitment to addressing the environmental and business challenges of battery recycling,” says Marc Boolish, president of the CBR.

Following the recent passage of Vermont House Bill 695, which established the nation’s first single-use battery stewardship requirement, the groups say their model bill is designed to create a framework for managing single-use and rechargeable batteries at end of life. The bill would require all battery producers to be compliant and provides a vehicle for producers of products that contain or are sold with primary batteries to work with suppliers to satisfy compliance obligations.

The bill is expected to be introduced in selected state legislatures in 2015, according to the organizations behind it.

Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle, observes, “By offering a comprehensive solution for all batteries, consumers benefit with less confusion.”

Scott Cassel, CEO of the Product Stewardship Institute, Boston, says the bill “will help increase consumer convenience, protect the environment, boost state and regional economies and save money for both governments and the battery industries.”

The model bill can be accessed at www.call2recycle.org/wp-content/uploads/Model_All_Battery_Bill.pdf.

 

MUNICIPAL

Covanta to build recycling plant in Indianapolis

Morristown, New Jersey-based Covanta, a waste, recycling and renewable energy firm, and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard have announced a plan to bring recycling to all single-family homes in Indianapolis via the construction of a new material recovery facility (MRF).

The recycling plan is subject to approval from the city’s Board of Public Works. Currently, Phoenix-based Republic Services offers a fee-based curbside collection program for recyclables to city residents.

The Covanta Advanced Recycling Center, to be built next to Covanta’s Indianapolis energy-from-waste (EfW) facility, will be designed to recover recyclables from mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). The company says it expects to invest $45 million to build the facility. Its EfW facility has been in operation since 1988.

Covanta says the new facility will increase the amount of material recycled in Indianapolis by up to 500 percent at no cost to the city or its residents.

“Covanta’s Advanced Recycling Center provides a commonsense solution that makes Indy a much more sustainable city,” says Ballard. “This state-of-the-art facility will take Indy from a 10 percent recycling participation rate to 100 percent without any new government mandates, fees or tax increases. It is a win-win-win for the city, its residents and the environment.”

The Covanta Advanced Recycling Center is an automated MRF modeled after recycling facilities in Europe, the company says.

Cassie Stockamp, president of the Indiana Recycling Coalition, however, expresses concern over the proposed recycling facility, saying the quality of the recyclables will suffer significantly.

“There is a better way,” she says. According to Stockamp, other options, including a two-bin program, might result in higher quality recyclables.

Covanta says it is confident that the recyclables collected at the facility will meet the expectations of its customers. A company spokesman says Covanta is investing a significant amount of money in the project and has done extensive research.

“The Covanta Advanced Recycling Center, combined with our energy-from-waste facility, will create a first-of-its-kind, next-generation system for sustainably managing waste in North America, further supporting Indianapolis’ position as a national leader in sustainability,” says Anthony Orlando, Covanta president and CEO. “We look forward to expanding and extending our partnership with the great city of Indianapolis. This investment will benefit the environment, the city and Covanta.”

The company says it expects the project to create 70 jobs during facility construction and to hire 60 permanent, full-time workers to operate the facility.

A spokesman for Covanta says the company will rely on its technology partner, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions, Stamford, Connecticut, for equipment to be used at the MRF, which will include magnets, eddy-current separators and optical sorters.

METALS

ISA receives cash infusions

The scrap metal recycling firm Industrial Services of America Inc. (ISA), headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, has announced that it received a $3 million equity investment from Recycling Capital Partners LLC (RCP) and a $17.8 million credit facility from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

RCP is an investment entity principally owned by Daniel Rifkin, the founder and CEO of MetalX LLC, a scrap metal recycling company headquartered in Waterloo, Indiana. Rifkin is the former president of OmniSource Corp., a large scrap metal firm that was acquired by Steel Dynamics in 2007.

ISA says RCP’s equity investment delivers significant strategic value, providing capital from one of the most respected names in the scrap metal industry.

RCP’s investment includes the purchase of 857,143 shares of ISA’s common stock. In addition, RCP received a five-year warrant to purchase an additional 857,143 shares of common stock at a price of $5 per share. In connection with the investment, RCP currently is entitled to designate one member to the company’s board of directors. ISA also granted RCP registration rights with respect to the common stock and certain rights of first refusal with respect to additional equity investments in the company.

“The entire ISA team is energized by the resources and experience that RCP brings to the company,” says Sean Garber, ISA president, “which allow us to pursue our growth strategy and other initiatives. With a stronger balance sheet, we expect to focus on building value for shareholders. This is truly a game-changing moment in ISA’s history.”

Additionally, ISA closed on a $17.8 million credit facility with Wells Fargo. The new credit facility includes a $15 million revolving line of credit and a $2.8 million equipment term loan. The new credit facility replaces ISA’s existing loan.

“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of our financing efforts,” says Orson Oliver, chairman and CEO of ISA. “We entertained proposals from several well-known lenders and equity investors but thought the strategic fit of RCP and the creative approach of Wells Fargo distinguished these partners in our search.”

RCP’s Rifkin says, “We are very pleased to have completed this investment in ISA and believe that the combination of the equity investment, the new credit facility and dynamic new leadership will stimulate the company’s growth and performance. This investment supports our view that this industry presents viable opportunities for long-term growth.”

In related news, ISA has appointed three new members to its board: William Yarmuth, Vincent Tyra and Sean Garber. Yarmuth is chairman and CEO of Almost Family Inc., a Louisville-based provider of home health services. Tyra is president of ISCO Industries, a customized piping solutions provider, also based in Louisville. Garber is president of Algar Inc., a company specializing in the sale of new and used auto parts as well as in automobile and metal recycling. Algar Inc. operates three locations in Kentucky and one yard in Missouri.

Additionally, as part of a previously announced agreement between Algar and ISA, Algar is providing ISA with executive-level management and supervisory services.

 

MUNICIPAL

Republic dedicates North Carolina MRF

Republic Services, headquartered in Phoenix, has dedicated its newest material recovery facility (MRF) in Catawba County, North Carolina. The new MRF will expand single-stream recycling capabilities throughout Alamance, Catawba, Guildford, Montgomery, Richmond and Stanly counties.

The expanded MRF, which Republic describes as highly advanced, has the capacity to process more than 400 tons of recyclables per day and features equipment designed, manufactured and installed by Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), Eugene, Oregon.

Drew Isenhour, area president of Republic Services, observes, “We are proud to deliver with Catawba County a cutting-edge recycling facility that will help to preserve the local environment for future generations.”

The new MRF will process plastics Nos. 1 through 7, paper products, cardboard, glass, aluminum and other materials.

METALS

Cozzi O’Brien to partially shutter Chicago-area scrap metal facility

Cozzi O’Brien Recycling, a scrap metal recycling firm headquartered in the Chicago area, has announced plans to partially shut down its Franklin Park, Illinois, scrap metal facility, located near O’Hare International Airport. The company says its ferrous operations will be consolidated into its Bellwood, Illinois, facility, which was purchased in 2013.

Cozzi O’Brien says the Franklin Park retail buying facility will remain at its current location and the land will be put on the market for sale.

“The Bellwood property, just 4 miles from the Franklin Park location, is better suited for our business plan,” says Frank Cozzi, CEO of Cozzi O’Brien Recycling. “We have plenty of room for growth, and Bellwood is much more desirable logistically.”

George O’Brien, president of Cozzi O’Brien Recycling, says, “This is strictly a real estate play. With O’Hare Airport’s recent expansion, this property has become extremely attractive to several industries that serve the airport and the airlines.”

He adds, “We will continue to maintain a presence and serve the community in Franklin Park.”

 

ELECTRONICS

SERI replaces R2 Solutions

Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), based in Boulder, Colorado, has recently been formed to succeed R2 Solutions, also based in Boulder, in managing and promoting the R2 (Responsible Recycling Practices) Standard.

Meanwhile, R2 Solutions will cease operations, and its staff, the board of directors, the R2 Technical Advisory Committee, the R2 Standard and supporting documents and all other assets will be transferred to SERI.

“Current and future R2 recyclers can rest assured that nothing is changing for the R2 Standard,” says John Lingelbach, who served as the former executive director of R2 Solutions and is now the current executive director of SERI.

In addition to managing the R2 Standard, SERI’s new scope includes sponsoring and supporting electronics recycling projects in developing countries and education and outreach campaigns on the need for responsible recycling.

“I am very pleased to be part of SERI and excited to embark on the many new activities to address critical e-scrap issues around the world,” says Oladele Osibanjo, a new SERI board member and the executive director of the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the African Region. “Meeting the challenge of used electronics will require a variety of tools, strategies and active involvement in emerging-market countries,” Osibanjo adds.

The organization also announced the R2 Leader program, designed to support efforts by organizations to advance the responsible reuse and recycling of used electronics. The program has been launched with a coalition of partners including DIRECTV, Goodwill Industries International, Keep America Beautiful, Microsoft, Sony America, SourceAmerica, Wistron Corp. and Xerox.

Lingelbach says, “Working in tandem with these leaders who share our vision will significantly accelerate progress in developing responsible e-waste reuse and recycling policies.”

The R2 Standard was created in 2008 through a multistakeholder process that included the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, electronics manufacturers, recycling companies, nonprofit organizations and other groups.