Electronics are high-value and incorporate diverse materials, including plastics, metals, and critical minerals. However, recovery and recycling (including reuse, remanufacturing and materials recycling) of end-of-life electronics remains limited due to system complexity, inadequate collection infrastructure, and the lack of cost-effective recycling process technologies. For example, less than 20% of consumer electronics are collected for recycling. The infrastructure for materials recovery from solar panels is just emerging. Efficient and safe processing of used EV batteries for reuse, second use, remanufacturing and materials recovery will require robust collection networks, automated disassembly, and rapid diagnostics to assess battery health. Remanufacturing of automotive and industrial electronics will depend on advanced failure detection and accurate estimation of remaining component life.

REMADE and its members are working to address these challenges by developing and demonstrating technology solutions that increase the recycling of electronics.