Marine E-Waste: Gold Rush or Shipwreck

Recycling electronics waste could be the next gold rush—literally

This metal constitutes an estimated 10% of electronics products. Reusing rather than dumping other rare materials also could turn costs into benefits, as well as protecting the environment. But marine industries lag behind others. Only about a third of EU electronics waste is currently recycled, and most is dumped on Third World countries. The European Union now insists on an 85% recycle rate for electronics gear. Building multifunction products and extending device life are two approaches. And while the largest manufacturers follow EU standards, heightened expectations and the more stringent guidelines constitute major challenges for the industry.