There has been a buzz of late about uncovering the dark secrets of the recycling industry with the use of GPS trackers. But sorry to say, the trackers only point serious stakeholders in the right direction given the proper e-waste payload they are attached to. The proper authorities do the investigation and discovery whether the e-waste processor is a good or bad actor.

That said, wireless (GPS/GSM, WiFi, LBS, etc.) tracker data can be used for many other amazing insights into the recycling industry. For example, they can show where the Covered Electronic Waste (CEW) is flowing and check the efficiency of how long it will take to get e-waste processed by its timestamping capabilities. Implementing a tracking program can also help internally audit and validate certification flowcharts and Bill Of Lading (BOL) trails given to certification bodies. As a result, one can compare actual flows against theoretical flowcharts. Since this can be validated remotely when given permission from the recycler, this can be a huge win for external auditors particularly during this pandemic error and beyond.

For example, one can see where CEWs actually end up; For instance, whether:

• a. In legal expected recycling plants
• b. Landfills
• c. Illegal locations overseas
• d. Poaching from collector locations

However, as a certified recycling facility, when one receives trackers while processing e-waste, what should be done?

• a. If there are no directions placed onto the tracker, such as call, email or return to a specific address when identified, simply process the tracker normally.
• b. If a tracker is placed properly into a CEW, it would most likely be placed as close to the focus materials/ hazardous waste components as possible. Thus, if the organization doesn’t process the focus material, they should leave the tracker in place and pass it on to the downstream vendor responsible for processing that component.

This will help the organization who sent the tracker know:

• a. The time it took to process the CEW
• b. Verify theoretical flowcharts (Great to show upstream customers, downstream vendors and certification bodies)
• c. Verify true processing endpoint locations

If the sending company notices that there is a problem downstream, they can inform their certification auditor or governing body with quantitative information. The certification body can then be equip to address the issue.

Knowing what is happening at any point of your downstream processing, is good business. However, some may ask, “Will having a tracking program increase operational cost?” The answer may be yes, but it will also increase overall control and insight into your downstream operations. For example, catching illegal transboundary e-waste flows and correcting it before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does can be worth it; Because it prevents negative brand exposure. With insight, one may be able to make adjustments in additional areas of the business downstream that will save on other surprises during present and future operations.