BIR Malaga 2026: Key Session to Address Changing E-Waste Economics
E-waste Recycling | 2026-10-26 04:35:13
The session will also feature an update from Federico Zanotti, BIR Senior Policy Officer, on the Basel Convention Expert Working Group’s technical guidelines for electronic waste, focusing on new waste entries A1181 and Y49.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The changing economics of electronics recycling, growing demand for critical minerals and international regulatory policies will take centre stage at the Electronics Committee plenary session during the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition Malaga 2026.
Chaired by Josephita Harry of Pan American Zinc, USA, the session will explore how technological developments, shifting material values and regulatory interpretations are reshaping the global electronics recycling industry. Discussions will also cover the Bureau of International Recycling’s (BIR) advocacy.
Emily Sanchez, Chief Economist at ReMA, USA, will examine the growing importance of critical minerals in the global economy. Her presentation will assess how expanding data centre infrastructure, electrification and emerging technologies are influencing material demand, supply chains and the economic value of resources recovered from discarded electronics.
International regulatory challenges will be addressed by Aaron Goldberg, Principal at US environmental law firm Beveridge & Diamond. He will present a case study to demonstrate the differences in how countries interpret waste classifications under the Basel Convention.
The session will also feature an update from Federico Zanotti, BIR Senior Policy Officer, on the Basel Convention Expert Working Group’s technical guidelines for electronic waste, focusing on new waste entries A1181 and Y49.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
BIR Malaga to Examine Waste Rules and Scrap Trade Risks
BIR Malaga 2026: Paper Recycling Leaders Target Trade & Regulatory Risks
POLL
Which factor is expected to play a major role in shaping the future economics of electronics recycling?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main topics of the Electronics Committee plenary at BIR Malaga 2026?
The session will focus on electronics recycling economics, critical mineral demand, technological developments and international regulatory policies. Participants will also discuss differences in waste classification practices and BIR's advocacy efforts concerning the global recycling industry.
- How are data centres and electrification influencing electronics recycling?
The expansion of data centres, electrification and emerging technologies is increasing demand for critical minerals used in electronic equipment and related infrastructure. This trend is drawing attention to the potential economic value of recovering useful materials from discarded electronics and strengthening resource supply chains.
- What regulatory challenges will the session examine?
The session will address differences in how countries interpret waste classifications under the Basel Convention, which governs international movements of hazardous waste and other covered waste streams. Aaron Goldberg will use a case study to illustrate these differences, highlighting their relevance to cross-border recycling operations.
