July 3, 2025 (Resource Recycling Inc. (via LinkedIn)) –
Resource Recycling Inc. posted 7 LinkedIn updates from June 26 to July 3, 2025. The company's posts covered a range of topics in the recycling and waste management industry, with a focus on e-waste, plastic recycling, and regulatory changes. Let's explore the key areas highlighted during this period.
International Regulations and Plastic Scrap Trade
A significant development in the recycling industry is Malaysia's new regulations on scrap plastic imports. The Malaysian government has implemented a ban on U.S.-sourced imports of scrap plastic, including e-plastics from electronics, effective July 1. This change has caused confusion and disruption in supply chains, both domestically and in Southeast Asia. The policy aims to address problematic e-plastic imports rather than post-consumer packaging materials.
Under the new regulations, all imports under the 3915 tariff code must be vetted by the government-owned certification organization SIRIM Berhad, which will only approve volumes from countries that are party to the Basel Convention or have a separate agreement. This effectively excludes U.S. shipments, as the country is not a Basel party and has no separate agreement with Malaysia.
Industry experts, including Steve Wong of Fukutomi Recycling Ltd, Ted Kaiser of Dock 7 Materials Group, LLC, James Derrico at CellMark, and Jim Puckett at Basel Action Network, have provided insights into the situation. They suggest that while the policy is currently disruptive, there are ongoing discussions to potentially incorporate U.S. imports into the policy in the future.
Malaysia bans U.S. plastic scrap imports
Industry reacts to Malaysian import regulations
E-Waste and Battery Recycling Innovations
In the e-waste sector, there have been significant developments in technology and business operations. Gloyd Recycling Solutions, a Houston-based company, has introduced the Battery-In-Device Shredding machine (BIDS), addressing the lack of smaller-scale systems for processing personal devices containing lithium-ion batteries. This innovation is particularly suitable for smaller recyclers and can handle devices up to laptop size.
In another technological advancement, circuit board buyer Boardsort has launched an AI-powered tool called OSCAR (Optical Scrap Categorization and Reporting). This free, online tool allows users to upload a photo of their circuit board for AI to identify its grade, socket type, and estimated price per pound, streamlining the process of buying used circuit boards.
However, the battery recycling industry has faced challenges, as evidenced by Li-Cycle's bankruptcy filing in both Canada and the U.S. The company, which had been warning of financial troubles for months, suspended operations at its Arizona and Alabama facilities and laid off numerous employees. Li-Cycle cited rising costs to build a Rochester hub as one of the contributing factors to its financial difficulties.
New shredder for small battery-containing devices
AI tool grades e-scrap circuit boards
Battery recycler Li-Cycle files for bankruptcy
Glass Recycling and Regional Challenges
The glass recycling industry has faced its own set of challenges, particularly in the Seattle area. Following glass packaging giant Ardagh Group's withdrawal from the region, which created collection challenges, logistics upgrades have now enabled programs to resume moving material as usual. Sibelco Group (formerly Strategic Materials) operates a glass beneficiation plant in Seattle, where the area's glass is pre-processed before shipment to buyers. Despite initial slowdowns, the company has managed to continue processing and shipping glass, with the situation now stabilizing.
Seattle glass recycling recovers after setback
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
Resource Recycling Inc. also highlighted upcoming industry events and trends, particularly in the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) sector. An upcoming workshop at the E-Scrap Conference will focus on how client demand is driving real change in the ITAD sector. Led by David Daoud of Compliance Standards LLC, the workshop will explore market momentum, potential risks, and the increasing pressure from enterprise clients for better ESG performance, security certifications, and data transparency.
ITAD sector trends workshop announced
In conclusion, Resource Recycling Inc.'s LinkedIn activity during this period reflects the dynamic nature of the recycling industry, with significant regulatory changes, technological innovations, and ongoing challenges across various sectors including e-waste, plastic recycling, and glass recycling. The industry continues to adapt to new regulations, embrace technological solutions, and address environmental concerns while facing economic pressures.
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