Most Americans trust that recycling their old electronics means those devices will be managed responsibly and safely. However, a new report released by the Basel Action Network (BAN), “Brokers of Shame: The New Tsunami of American e-Waste Exports to Asia,” raises new questions about where discarded gadgets go, and who is responsible for their safe handling.
Persistent E-Waste Exports
BAN’s investigation highlights the role of ten US brokers, companies that handle large volumes of used electronic products for recycling. Using trade data, field observations, and GPS tracking, BAN estimates that about 2 000 shipping containers each month, or nearly 33 000 metric tonnes, of old US electronics may be shipped to Asia, with Malaysia receiving the largest share. Over two years, the ten companies named in the report are thought to have exported over 10 000 containers, which could be worth as much as $1 billion in total trade value.
According to the report, much of this e-waste arrives in countries that either ban or restrict such imports and often lack the means to handle toxic materials safely.
Concerns Over Certification and Oversight
A significant point in BAN’s findings is that eight out of the ten companies they highlight are R2V3 certified, an industry standard meant to ensure responsible recycling. Some operate in states with strict e-waste regulations, like California. The report also notes that recycled materials may be misclassified (labelled as “unwrought metals” or even new electronics) to get around legal requirements or avoid tariffs.
The presence of a major Fortune 500 electronics retailer (Best Buy) in the report, as identified via GPS tracking, suggests that even well-known brands may have limited visibility into the ultimate destination of the e-waste they collect.
The Realities Abroad
In recipient countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, processing facilities often lack the resources and safety measures found in wealthier countries. Workers may dismantle electronics by hand, often without protection, and environmental standards may be less stringent. This can pose health and environmental risks to local communities.
According to Pui Yi Wong, a Malaysian researcher with BAN, “Waste traffickers and illegal recyclers blatantly violate Malaysia’s laws in the name of ‘recycling’, to reap profits by polluting our water, air and soil, making communities sick, exploiting and poisoning undocumented workers, and fostering corruption.”
Why Is This Happening?
Globally, e-waste is rising rapidly, reaching a record 62 million tonnes in 2022. Only about 17–22% is formally collected and recycled, according to UN estimates. Even so, the true volume of responsibly recycled electronics may be lower, as some of these items are exported to facilities that lack proper safeguards.
The US remains the largest developed country that has not ratified the Basel Convention, an international treaty that restricts the movement of hazardous waste from richer to poorer nations. This gap leaves room for ongoing exports.
Steps Forward
BAN’s report is not intended as a blanket condemnation of the electronics recycling industry. Rather, it is a call for greater accountability and reform. The organization urges improvements to industry certifications, closer attention from large retailers to their recycling supply chains, and ultimately, for the U.S. to align with international norms on e-waste exports.
For individuals, the best approach remains to recycle electronics with reputable local programs that are transparent about downstream processes, and to support efforts that keep e-waste management within the U.S. whenever possible.
Interested in Learning More?
You can read BAN’s full report, including recommendations for industry and policymakers, here: https://www.ban.org/reports/brokers-of-shame
Sources:
- Brokers of Shame: Basel Action Network (2025)
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
