Conference Highlights:
- Thourough assessments of electronics product stewardship
- Reports on current research
- Comprehensive overviews of legislative and policy issues
- Attendance by all the key players
- Numerous opportunities to network
- Trade Show featuring the latest innovations and service offerings from e-scrap equipment and processing system firms, reclamation services and markets for e-scrap materials.
Who should attend E-Scrap:
- Electronics scrap processors
- Government solid waste officials
- Electronics manufacturers
- Generators of e-scrap
- End-users of recovered materials
- Recycling business managers
- Waste haulers
- Environmental organizations
- Potential investors
- Scrap brokers
Invaluable Information Preliminary Agenda
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd
8:00 to 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
8:30 to 10:00 AM, Orlando Ballroom III-VI
Plenary Session I: The Marketplace’s Driving Forces – Where Are We Headed
The conference opens with a thorough assessment of the key drivers in the current and future environment for electronics stewardship in North America and the rest of the world.
WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2010?
A leading market analyst returns to our stage to provide an extensive overview of today’s IT market dynamics, plus offer his professional
projections of the key trends affecting the e-scrap market.
» David Daoud, IDC
HOW DO ELECTRONICS RETAILERS FIT IN THE END-OF-LIFE SCHEME?
Huge volumes of electronics are sold every day to consumers at thousands of retail outlets across North America. Retailers are a key element
in the supply chain for these products. How do retailers fit, in the grand scheme of things, in terms of electronics recycling systems? How
can they help push recycling levels higher? A key industry leader explains it all.
» Chris McLean, Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition
I CAME FROM WASHINGTON TO TELL YOU SOME EXCITING NEWS
Electronics recycling is becoming a heated issue in our nation’s capital. Various bills have been introduced, and the Obama administration
is being urged to help improve this country’s e-scrap recovery system. We’ve asked the nation’s top federal waste management official to
describe his views on these topics.
» Mathy Stanislaus, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (invited)
10:00 to 10:45 AM
Morning Beverage Break and Opening of the Tradeshow in Orlando Ballroom I-II
10:45 AM to 12:15 PM, Orlando Ballroom III-VI
Plenary Session II: Moving Those Materials
The ongoing global economic slump has meant that executives in the electronics recycling industry have needed to intensify their focus on critical recycling market factors. To help industry members make better decisions, we present new research highlighting current market trends. Plus, we’ve invited a widely recognized market analyst to offer his latest assessment.
WHAT’S UP IN THE MARKETS FOR PLASTICS RECOVERED FROM ELECTRONICS?
The American Chemistry Council is undertaking a market assessment to look at current and future recycling practices for the plastics generated
by e-scrap processors. What’s happening to this material? What are the options for improved markets? Are new technologies on the horizon?
The project’s lead consultant offers a summary.
» Kim Holmes, 4R Sustainability
WHAT’S UP IN THE MARKETS FOR CRT GLASS?
In a specially commissioned research project, E-Scrap News undertook an extensive market analysis to look at critical market factors for the
recovery and utilization of lead glass recovered from obsolete computer monitors and televisions. This review especially focused on international
market issues.
» Jerry Powell, E-Scrap News
WHAT’S UP IN MARKETS FOR METALLICS RECOVERED FROM ELECTRONICS?
E-scrap dismantlers and shredder operators derive a large portion of their revenues from the sale of recovered metal. The demand and market trends
for recyclable copper, steel, aluminum and other metals are important in determining corporate success. The top market analyst for America’s premier
recycling trade association will present an overview of the market factors to monitor.
» Bob Garino, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
12:15 to 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch in Orange Ballroom A-D
1:00 to 1:30 PM
Break in the Exhibit Hall, Orlando Ballroom I-II
1:30 to 3:00 PM, Orlando Ballroom III
Concurrent Session A: Exciting New Ideas and Projects from Washington
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has moved forward in sponsoring a number of intriguing projects focused on the end-of-life management of
electronics. As we’ve seen with other innovative EPA initiatives, such as NEPSI, the R2 certification program and EPEAT, many of these efforts have
helped move the field forward. With a new president and Congress, plus a revitalized EPA, what can we expect from Washington? Are new projects likely?
» Moderator:
» Clare Lindsay, U.S. EPA
» Karen Pollock, U.S. EPA
1:30 to 3:00 PM, Orlando Ballroom IV-VI
Concurrent Session B: Three Compelling Processor Issues
The global economic meltdown of the past year has resulted in a leaner, meaner electronics recycling industry. This has created a need to better
focus on material markets, such as those analyzed in Plenary Session II. Even so, a large number of processors are looking over the horizon, and
this panel lays out three ways the electronics reclamation industry may change.
» Moderator:
CLOSING THE LOOP TO IMPROVE RE-USE AND RECYCLING
Processors of obsolete electronics handle whatever is generated. While some items are easy to process, many are much more difficult to handle.
Can the design of electronics take into account reusability and recyclability? Can revised designs help improve the value of electronics once
they’ve reached the end of their useful life? A federally funded project looked at these exact questions, and the findings point out numerous
obstacles and opportunities.
» Wayne Rifer, Green Electronics Council
THEY’RE FLAT AND THIN, BUT ARE THEY RECYCLABLE?
E-scrap processors are just now beginning to receive flat-panel screens at their plants, and they know much larger volumes will be received in
the coming years. What are the recycling possibilities for this new form of scrap? In cooperation with several producers of flat panels, a
leading processor of display devices has developed new ways of repairing and recycling flat panels. Is this where the industry is headed?
» Bob Erie, E-World Recyclers
MERGER AND ACQUISITION ACTIONS IN E-SCRAP
The goal of many entrepreneurs in an emerging industry, such as electronics recycling, is to develop a viable and growing enterprise, then sell
the firm or merge it into another company. This is occurring in the e-scrap industry. To aid in this process, a number of investment groups and
investment banks have been active in the field. What are the trends in this area? Research undertaken solely for this conference will describe
M&A activities and offer predictions about the future.
» Jerry Powell, E-Scrap News
3:00 to 3:30 PM
Afternoon Beverage Break in the Exhibit Hall, Orlando Ballroom I-II
3:30 to 5:00 PM, Orlando Ballroom III
Concurrent Session C: The Current Landscape in Re-use and Legislation
This session focuses on two major issues. The re-use of old electronics, either in the form as received by the processor or as a refurbished product,
is a critical element to environmentally and economically successful e-scrap management. At the same time, legislative initiatives in electronics
recycling, including legislative efforts aimed at electronics re-use, are key market drivers in today’s e-scrap market. What’s happening in terms
of re-use and legislation?
» Moderator:
WHAT’S IN THAT PILE?
The success of processors handling end-of-life electronics is made difficult because of the inability to accurately predict what will be received
from consumers and small businesses. One computer refurbisher has gathered extensive data on the make, model and age of obsolete electronics received
at its collection sites. In addition, data has been gathered on the last use of the system, and on how long the obsolete equipment was stored.
Such data can help processors design and operate more efficient recovery systems.
» Willie Cade, PC Rebuilders and Recyclers
LAWS, LAWS AND MORE LAWS
For the past seven years, E-Scrap News has collected and analyzed extensive information regarding state and provincial e-scrap recycling laws and regulations. We again provide a thorough assessment of the current legislative trends and issues that are determining e-scrap recycling’s future.
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN ELECTRONICS RE-USE AND E-SCRAP LAWS
Growing criticism is being focused by advocates of the re-use of old electronics on recent new state and provincial e-waste programs.
According to some critics, organizations and businesses involved in reselling and refurbishing electronics can be harmed if legislation is not
written correctly. We take a thorough look at this important issue.
» Dylan De Thomas, E-Scrap News
3:30 to 5:00 PM, Orlando Ballroom IV-VI
Concurrent Session D: Looking North for Leadership
Canadian interest in electronics recycling equals or exceeds that of the U.S. What is important, however, is that Canadian provinces have chosen a number of programs and initiatives that show promise elsewhere. We offer a thorough portrayal of the latest ideas.
HAVING EVERYONE SING THE SAME SONG
Canada’s three operational, industry-led and regulated e-waste programs, in Alberta, British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces, have come together
to ensure their efforts on driving economies of scale across their individual compliance efforts are harmonized. Will we see more efforts to bring
some uniformity and cooperation among the multitudinous state and provincial systems?
» Jay Illingworth, EStewardship Canada
BETTER INFORMATION ON GLOBAL E-WASTE FLOWS
Using export data from seven regions (Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and Oceana), a Canadian researcher and
university professor has generated several intriguing and important findings that can help inform the ongoing debate over e-waste exports.
» Josh Lepawsky, Memorial University
BATTERY STEWARDSHIP AND ITS IMPACT ON E-WASTE STRATEGIES: AN ONTARIO CASE STUDY
In addition to numerous other products, Ontario wants to see producers establish stewardship programs for more hazardous items, such as rechargeable
batteries used in laptops. The industry-led battery recycling collection system in North America has responded with a stewardship plan for the province.
What’s in the plan, and what are the implications for rechargeable battery recycling elsewhere? Is this a coming trend?
» Carl Smith, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp.
5:15 to 7:00 PM
Conference Reception and Musical Entertainment in the Exhibit Hall, Orlando Ballroom I-II
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th
8:00 to 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
8:30 to 10:00 AM, Orlando Ballroom III-VI
Plenary Session III: Understanding E-Waste’s Global Context
Electronics recycling in North America would likely wither without global demand for electronic products, parts and materials. But, players in the global market confront a growing number of major issues, including those focusing on environmental harm in some importing countries. This major panel provides comprehensive updates from three areas: Africa, China and India.
INDIA, FROM AN ENVIRONMENTALIST’S PERSPECTIVE
India, the world’s second most populous country, may be undertaking the quickest change in e-waste management in the developing world. India is
quickly becoming a major IT user, and many OEMs have launched take-back schemes. Legislation is being considered, and the press is focusing on pollution
problems from improper e-scrap recycling sites. What’s up in India?
» Satish Sinha, Toxics Link
AFRICA, FROM A RESEARCHER’S PERSPECTIVE
The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA) has developed baseline studies of e-waste management practices in Kenya,
Morocco and Senegal, and launched an e-scrap recycling project in South Africa. The lead researcher points out the progress being made in e-waste
management in Africa, and the substantial challenges ahead.
» Mathias Schluep, EMPA
CHINA, FROM A PROCESSOR’S PERSPECTIVE
The Chinese government is calling for change in how e-waste is handled in the world’s most populous country. New policies have been introduced,
and new governmentally financed ventures have been launched. The head of research for one of China’s newest electronics processing operations offers
an overview of the changing climate in China.
» Shu Xia, Qingdao New World Co.
10:00 to 10:30 AM
Morning Beverage Break in the Exhibit Hall, Orlando Ballroom I-II
10:30 AM to Noon, Orlando Ballroom III
Concurrent Session E: Doing The Job Right
With e-scrap collection volumes rising, many North American processors have scoured the world to locate the best, most-efficient separation and
processing technologies. Some have relied on internal R&D departments to bring new ideas to the plant floor. At the same time, major producers
of recycling equipment have introduced new, sophisticated systems to the market place. We’ve asked the technical leaders at some of North America’s
leading processors to talk about what’s needed in today’s processing environment.
» Alfred Hambsch, GEEP
» Nader Nejad, MOLAM International (invited)
» Rafael Reveles, Sims
10:30 AM to Noon, Orlando Ballroom IV-VI
Concurrent Session F: Three Fascinating Research Initiatives
As an environmentally important and emerging field, the growth of electronics recycling requires new information and new analyses. A wide variety of important assessments have been produced in recent years, and in this session, we look at several important studies, plus describe who might be undertaking significant research studies in the future.
CAN PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS RESULT IN RECYCLING-FRIENDLY PRODUCT DESIGN?
Many advocates of product stewardship systems contend that if electronics producers are involved in end-of-life product management, it will lead to
the development of more recyclable products. But, is this contention becoming reality, now that dozens of states and provinces have stewardship systems?
An important study by one state looks at how governmental incentives and legislation might be utilized to attain better product design.
» Pamela Brody-Heine, Eco Stewardship Strategies
CAN COMPUTER PROCUREMENT AND DISPOSITION DATA AID IN END-OF-LIFE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT?
A fascinating research project at a leading university focused on computer procurement and disposition in an academic setting. The findings offer an
idea of the dynamic changes in the lifespan of computers, plus the role of the higher education sector in electronics recovery.
» Callie Babbitt, Arizona State University
CAN WE EXPECT MAJOR INSTITUTES AND UNIVERSITIES TO UNDERTAKE IMPORTANT E-SCRAP RESEARCH IN THE FUTURE?
Rising interest from OEMs, as well as state and federal agencies, for research into electronics product stewardship systems, recycling technologies
and end-of-life management methods has spurred a number of North American academic and research institutions to establish research programs. We offer
a summary of many of these programs and describe their current and future research agendas.
» Henry Leineweber, E-Scrap News
Noon to 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch in Orange Ballroom A-D
1:00 to 2:30 PM, Orlando Ballroom III-VI
Plenary Session IV: Certification and Auditing
Few dispute that we need to employ best management practices in electronics recycling. Scrap generators need to be assured that their obsolete electronics are being handled appropriately. Thus, the e-scrap industry is now focused on having certification and auditing options available that address the specific aspects of electronics reuse and recycling. The closing session looks at this year’s most debated issue.
HOW DOES CERTIFICATION FIT IN THE LARGER CALL FOR SUSTAINABILITY?
This important session opens with a presentation by a leading expert on the use of advocacy-led certification systems that encourage and reward higher
social and environmental responsibility. What can the e-scrap industry learn from the experiences in sustainable forestry, fair trade in agricultural
commodities and sustainable tourism? What are the trends in certification that may prove important in the handling of old electronics?
» Michael Conroy, Colibri Consulting
THE R2 CERTIFICATION PLATFORM
Over the past several years, a stakeholder group convened by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed and tested a new environmental certification system for the electronics recycling industry. The resulting Responsible Recycler (R2) certification program is now available to the industry, and a representative will fully describe its development and features.
THE E-STEWARDS CERTIFICATION PLATFORM
A leading environmental group that focuses on global trade in hazardous wastes has spent considerable effort in developing a new certification program for
the electronics recycling industry. The eStewards Standard offered by the Basel Action Network is just now coming to the market, and an executive in
the organization presents the features of the certification program, and describes how it was developed.
» Sarah Westervelt, Basel Action Network