Challenges Being Faced by the Toronto Electronics Recycling Industry

Posted by Peter Homes on September 11th, 2018

Electronic goods are getting more complex and smaller in size with time. The end consumers are increasingly demanding multi-functional, fully-integrated, smaller products to use. While the manufacturers are making efforts to satisfy their customers’ demands, the Toronto electronics recycling sector is facing a number of potential challenges. It has become difficult for the electronic recyclers to determine what will be the face of the waste stream in near future. Here are a few challenges the recyclers are facing as of now.

Increased use of plastics in electronics

Over the last few years, recyclers are finding more plastics in electronic goods than metals. Separating plastic is a hard thing to do during the recycling process, since it contains such a wide range of polymers. There are two different types of barriers that come in the way of Mississauga electronics recycling, one is the use of flame retardants and second is the use of mixed plastic. However, the issue of mixed plastic can be resolved by dissolving the polymers in solvent after which it is evaporated and polymers are left behind.

Decreasing content of precious metals in electronics

Another challenge faced by electronics recycling companies is that in order to make their products smaller, lighter and cheaper, manufacturers are reducing the use of precious metals, and replacing them with plastics. The replacement materials being used in these products are low in value, and are difficult to recycle. Since the items have shrunk in size, it has become more difficult for recyclers to get precious metals out of them. Some electronics contain rare earths and other interesting metals, but they are not able to be extracted using traditional methods of recycling. Traditional recycling methods are able to deal with standard metal mixtures only, such as gold and copper, but now, manufacturers are using 20-50 types of different metals. It is a big challenge for recyclers to find how to extract all these metals.

Increased use of embedded batteries in electronics

Since smaller electronics use more of embedded batteries, more labor and time is required for their removal from the devices. Embedded batteries are toxic, and the adhesive used to glue them to the device is toxic too. The extra labor and safety issues related to these batteries results in added cost and time for battery recycling Toronto.

Bright future for electronics recycling industry

The good thing about electronics recycling is that an increasing number of electronics are being produced now. While less value may be extracted from their recycling, their overall volume is there to compensate. Recyclers have increased their efficiency at recycling electronic products and thereby increasing their commodity yield.

COM2 Recycling Solutions is one of the most professional electronic recycling companies based in Toronto. While using latest of tools and techniques, they extract most of the valuable items from e-waste and make best use of them. Whether you are looking for electronics recycling or battery recycling, take help of these professionals to get the job done in the best possible way.

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Peter Homes

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Peter Homes
Joined: July 12th, 2018
Articles Posted: 12

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