Export Global Metals Expands into Electronics Recycling

Hillsboro, Ore.-based Export Global Metals Inc. (dba EG Metals Inc.) has announced that it is investing $4 million in a shredding and processing system for end-of-life electronics.

The R2/RIOS (Responsible Recycling Practices/Recycling Industry Operating Standard) certified electronics recycler says it will be able to provide secured chain of custody transport, full video documented destruction and sorting of all computer electronics, specifically hard drives and circuit boards, into secondary commodities, including copper, aluminum, tin and plastics.

“Being able to securely transport, process and separate computer electronic components domestically will increase our ability to service large commercial customers concerned about how and where their computers and their computer data is being processed,” says EG Metals General Manager and Vice President of Operations Peter Van Houten.

Construction and implementation of the new equipment began in July, with full production commencing by end of September 2013, the company says. Van Houten says EG Metals’ 15,000-square-foot electronics recycling plant will house a Q140 shredder from SSI, Wilsonville, Ore., as well as multiple vibratory magnets, an eddy current and a Titech CombiSense optical sorting system.

“Our goal is to ensure that as computer electronics are received and processed they leave as metal commodities (copper, tin, aluminum, precious metals) ready to be shipped directly to the smelter or refiner,” he adds.  

EG Metals says it expects this investment to expand its capabilities as well as the quality of the material it produces. The company says it also expects to grow its workforce by more than 25 percent during the next year as a result of the new processing system.

“This investment is not only good for our business, but it’s [also] good for Oregon, for Hillsboro and for our customers,” says EG Metals President Danny Jones.