Recyclers turn electronic waste into cash

by Brian R. Hook

Electronic Recyclers in Fresno, California is turning tons of electronic waste into marketable commodities. “There is a tremendous value in the commodities that come out of these products,” said John Shegerian, Electronic Recyclers chief executive officer.

Electronic Recyclers, which opened in 2002, is basically a demanufacturer of electronics, Shegerian said. “We take it. We dismantle it. It leaves as one of three commodities; plastic, glass or metals,” Shegerian said. “We bale the plastics. We bale the metal and we seal the crushed glass. We sell all three products around the world.”

Electronic Recyclers received about 5 million pounds of e-waste in August, Shegerian said. The volume of e-waste is growing about 5 to 15 percent a month.

Plans are now in the works to open recycling facilities in four different states due to growth. “We’re going to be taking this national in the fourth quarter of this year,” Shegerian said. “Next year we plan to open at least a dozen more facilities.”

Shegerian said that legislation in California to establish a funding system for the collection and recycling of certain types of electronics has helped the recycling business. “Not only do we keep the stuff out of landfills, but this brand new industry has created thousands of jobs here in California. This is an industry in its infancy,” Shegerian said.     ...read more