Global E-Recycling Trade Hit by Growing Regulatory Hurdles, Says BIR

E-waste Recycling  |  2026-11-02 06:31:30   |   By

He also highlighted US export licensing restrictions covering certain black mass and recovered tungsten shipments.

Summary
  • Waste Classification Differences Disrupt Recycling Trade: Divergent national regulations governing the classification of electronic waste and lithium-ion battery-derived black mass are creating obstacles to international recycling shipments.
  • Black Mass Regulations Vary Across Countries: BIR discussions highlighted differences in how countries classify black mass, with China treating it as hazardous waste, while China and South Korea recognize it as non-waste under specified conditions.
  • Industry Calls for Regulatory Harmonization: Experts highlighted outdated regulations, inconsistent interpretations and U.S. export licensing restrictions covering certain black mass and recovered tungsten shipments as key challenges for international recycling trade.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Uncertainties surrounding international waste classifications is emerging as a major obstacle to the global electronics recycling industry, even as demand for recovered critical minerals continues to expand. The issue was highlighted at the Electronics Committee plenary session during the recently held Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) World Recycling Convention in Malaga, Spain, on October 26, 2026.

Chaired by Josephita Harry of Pan American Zinc, the session examined how differences in national regulations affect the movement of recyclable materials, particularly lithium-ion battery-derived black mass.

Aaron Goldberg of Beveridge & Diamond pointed out that countries follow different approaches to determining whether black mass constitutes hazardous waste. For instance, China treats it as hazardous, while China and South Korea consider it as a non-waste material when specified conditions are met. Goldberg noted that these differences reflect national refining capacities and strategic interests, potentially complicating international shipments.

He also highlighted US export licensing restrictions covering certain black mass and recovered tungsten shipments.

Speakers stressed the need to address outdated regulations and inconsistent interpretations.

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