New Export Reform Association Formed

The World Reuse, Repair and Recycling Association (WRRRA), an organization for electronics recyclers and other reuse exporters, has been incorporated in Middlebury, Vt.

The WRRRA hopes to establish quality standards for monitors, televisions and other repair-and-reuse items exported for repair from the U.S. The group says it will also encourage higher environmental standards for overseas refurbishment companies and promote domestic recycling of scrap such as leaded CRT glass and gold circuitry.

Founding members of the organization include American Retroworks Inc., the Chochise County Learning Action Coalition and staff from the University of California at Davis.

“Several companies like American Retroworks Inc. tried to establish a higher exporting standard to meet the strong demand for working and repairable monitors and TVs overseas,” says founder Robin Ingenthron, of American Retroworks. “I think many of us found we didn’t have enough materials to dictate the terms. This organization will cooperatively sell quality items and perform with diligence on every member’s behalf.”

Several overseas companies have expressed interest in joining, according to Ingenthron. 

The organization will share its headquarters with American Retroworks.