Electronics Reuse Conference: How Is It Valuable to the Electronics Space?

With the recently concluded COP26 climate negotiations set to take further steps to mitigate climate change, the importance of electronics reuse (e-reuse) cannot be overemphasized. Events like the Electronics Reuse Conference (ERC) that bring together industry leaders are essential to increasing the reuse of electronic devices. In 2021, the conference brought together 1100 attendees in-person and virtually, a collaborative effort between the E-Scrap Conference and E-Reuse Conference.

Importance of the conference

To appreciate the importance of the conference, let’s define e-reuse. Eresuse.org describes e-reuse as “the reuse of electronic devices such as desktops, laptops or mobile phones is applied to devices that have already been manufactured and are no longer in use (disposal) and will be recycled unless they are refurbished /reconditioned (repaired, upgraded) and used again or redistributed to other users.” E-reuse is not to be confused with recycling which refers to the method of using raw materials from old goods to produce something new.

According to the official website, the Electronics Reuse Conference is North America’s sole computer and electronics refurbishment conference. Shockingly, in 2019, the USA alone produced 6.92 million tons of e-waste, about 46 pounds per person. Just 15% of the materials were recycled! It is these electronics are valuable. The raw materials contained in the e-waste produced in the U.S. during 2019 were worth $7.49 billion. The conference serves as a panacea for this nightmare.

What about COVID-19 impact?

Despite challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19, companies like Fruit Fixed have persevered in the e-reuse industry. The company, a device repair firm, shared a success story of thriving through the pandemic despite staffing and logistics challenges. The conference provided a platform where similar companies working in the areas of computer refurbishment and repair, assets management, electronics recycling, and digital inclusion came together to network and build business relationships.

The public sector was not left out of the e-reuse conversation. A government representative, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy shared an update on a legislative program to regulate manufacturer funding through the year, despite the number of pounds collected. Steve Noble, the recycling specialist representing the department, mentioned that a stakeholder group had been meeting virtually during the pandemic and had developed language for possible legislation. The legislation is a take on Illinois’ program with the inclusion of an eco-fee on TVs that would be charged to consumers when purchasing new devices. Conversations like this one help keep the industry updated on government programs.

Topics covered

Topics discussed at the Electronics Reuse Conference were also technical. There were conversations around battery processing, blockchain, repair and data sanitization appendices of R2V3 among others. These are geared towards building the technical capacity of attendees. Discussions on the circular economy also took place. This is particularly beneficial due to the prevalence of e-waste.

Does ERC offer you any rewards?

Every year since 2010, the Electronic Reuse Conference honors those who have supported others in the industry. Public entries are accepted for the 3 annual awards and the winners are selected by a jury of previous winners. If you have someone to name, they’d love to hear from you. Conclusion ERC promotes trends in e-waste disposal and campaigns to ensure waste reduction efforts become the norm for future activities and events.

Nicole Russell, 2021 ERC Rising Star Award Recipient

And this year our very own Nicole Russell was awarded ERC 2021 Rising star award! Congratulations Nicole! https://www.ereuseconference.com/hall-of-fame

The essence of the circular economy is to “preserve in use the products and components that have been already manufactured, and second, to recover raw materials when devices are no longer repairable and functional”, according to Ereuse.org. It negates the current consumption of using and throwing away. Circularity is relevant to e-reuse companies because it creates a self-sufficient system that does not require inputs of raw materials and does not have losses that end up in landfills where materials cannot be recovered.

All these learnings, combined with the presence of expert speakers make the Electronics Reuse Conference a content-packed one. The event is not only supporting the global fight against climate change but bringing up the next big players in the e-reuse industry. Here’s to next year’s installment!

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