ISRI Convention: Electronics Recyclers Grapple with Nonmetallics

In addition to soaring metals prices providing a boost for electronics recyclers, the developing demand for plastic scrap is also helping the bottom line of companies that process end-of-life electronics.

Attendees heard some encouraging remarks at a session on the plastics and glass portions of the electronics stream at the ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc.) Annual Convention, which took place April 18-21 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

Butler-MacDonald, Indianapolis, Ind., has helped OEMs set up their own recovery systems in some cases, reported Terrence P. Bradshaw, a vice president with the company.

Recycling systems the company has set up for toner and printer cartridge manufacturers are producing HIPS pellets and flake that can garner from 42 to 63 cents per pound when the product is clean enough to be used in the same application through a closed-loop process.

The attractive pricing for the secondary commodities is a long way from the 5 to 12 cents per pound such pellets and flakes might attracting in the export markets, according to Bradshaw.

Such closed-loop systems can provide a marked contrast to the streams created at some electronics recycling facilities, where the wide variety of incoming obsolete electronics can make achieving high returns difficult. Mike Wright of Denver’ Guaranteed Recycling Xperts said recycling plastic at his facility “presents challenges because of all the commingled resin types.”

Wright expressed optimism, however, that the “challenge is going to be solved” by innovative separating and sorting techniques. “As techniques improve, that challenge will solve itself.”

Separating clean glass from leaded glass is just one of the challenges facing recyclers of monitor glass. According to Bob Erie of E-World Recyclers, Vista, Calif., separating the leaded funnel glass from the non-leaded panel glass can be done, but only with a process that takes one half-minute or more to separate one unit at a time.

While mixed glass can be produced more efficiently, the domestic market for such glass consists of a very limited number of lead smelters. And exporting such glass risks causing recyclers to run afoul of international environmental treaties.

Erie also noted that monitor recyclers also face the twin challenges of a declining market in the number of glass CRT (cathode ray tube) units in use coupled with developing new recycling techniques and markets for flat panel and plasma display monitors.