UC Davis, 2 e-recycling groups form association to develop export standards

Oct. 15 -- The University of California at Davis has joined with a group of electronics recyclers and advocates to form an association to help electronics recyclers and other recovery companies develop export standards to meet overseas demand for reusable electronics.

The World Reuse, Repair and Recycling Association will identify end markets for recovered materials for companies that cannot afford due diligence of overseas end markets. The founding members are electronics recycler American Retroworks Inc., the Cochise County, Ariz. Learning Action Coalition and staff from the University of California at Davis. The association also will include overseas companies representing refurbishing markets in Hong Kong, Philippines, Egypt, Eastern Europe and South America.

The nonprofit group´s first goal is to establish quality standards for reusable monitors, television sets and other electronics exported from the United States. Meeting legitimate export demand could keep U.S. electronics recycling costs affordable and improve the quality of exported material.