Maybe you got a holiday tech upgrade with a new phone or laptop. But what you do with old devices matters.   A United Nations report in 2017 sounded the alarm on the waste associated with technology, with 45 million tons of e-waste tossed in 2016 — and only about 20% was recycled.   If all the valuable metals were collected from those electronics, it would be worth $55 billion.   “This problem is burgeoning, it’s getting bigger and bigger,” says Steven Dege with TerraCycle, a company that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials. “And as our population grows, it’s continuing to get bigger and bigger, and if we don’t tackle it or start to develop means or ways to recycle these items, it’s going to become a massive, massive issue later on.”   Dege recommends you find a local electronics recycle location.   Consumer Reports says you can also donate your old device to a charity or nonprofit.   Dell and Goodwill have a partnership that allows you to drop off your old technology at some Goodwill locations.   Apple and Amazon may give you a credit or gift card for old electronics.   Sprint buys phones from any carrier.   Best Buy also has a number of recycling options.   But before you do any of that, make sure you protect your data first.   “The No. 1 thing that everybody should do is wipe your information off the phone, off your computers, laptops, things of that nature,” Dege says. “You don’t want that information to get anywhere, to go anywhere, other than yourself.”   Your best bet on making sure you properly wipe a device is finding a YouTube instructional video specific to that brand and model.

Maybe you got a holiday tech upgrade with a new phone or laptop. But what you do with old devices matters.   A United Nations report in 2017 sounded the alarm on the waste associated with technology, with 45 million tons of e-waste tossed in 2016 — and only about 20% was recycled.   If all the valuable metals were collected from those electronics, it would be worth $55 billion.   “This problem is burgeoning, it’s getting bigger and bigger,” says Steven Dege with TerraCycle, a company that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials. “And as our population grows, it’s continuing to get bigger and bigger, and if we don’t tackle it or start to develop means or ways to recycle these items, it’s going to become a massive, massive issue later on.”   Dege recommends you find a local electronics recycle location.   Consumer Reports says you can also donate your old device to a charity or nonprofit.   Dell and Goodwill have a partnership that allows you to drop off your old technology at some Goodwill locations.   Apple and Amazon may give you a credit or gift card for old electronics.   Sprint buys phones from any carrier.   Best Buy also has a number of recycling options.   But before you do any of that, make sure you protect your data first.   “The No. 1 thing that everybody should do is wipe your information off the phone, off your computers, laptops, things of that nature,” Dege says. “You don’t want that information to get anywhere, to go anywhere, other than yourself.”   Your best bet on making sure you properly wipe a device is finding a YouTube instructional video specific to that brand and model.

Maybe you got a holiday tech upgrade with a new phone or laptop. But what you do with old devices matters.   A United Nations report in 2017 sounded the alarm on the waste associated with technology, with 45 million tons of e-waste tossed in 2016 — and only about 20% was recycled.   If all the valuable metals were collected from those electronics, it would be worth $55 billion.   “This problem is burgeoning, it’s getting bigger and bigger,” says Steven Dege with TerraCycle, a company that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials. “And as our population grows, it’s continuing to get bigger and bigger, and if we don’t tackle it or start to develop means or ways to recycle these items, it’s going to become a massive, massive issue later on.”   Dege recommends you find a local electronics recycle location.   Consumer Reports says you can also donate your old device to a charity or nonprofit.   Dell and Goodwill have a partnership that allows you to drop off your old technology at some Goodwill locations.   Apple and Amazon may give you a credit or gift card for old electronics.   Sprint buys phones from any carrier.   Best Buy also has a number of recycling options.   But before you do any of that, make sure you protect your data first.   “The No. 1 thing that everybody should do is wipe your information off the phone, off your computers, laptops, things of that nature,” Dege says. “You don’t want that information to get anywhere, to go anywhere, other than yourself.”   Your best bet on making sure you properly wipe a device is finding a YouTube instructional video specific to that brand and model.

It’s been quite the year for circularity, one defined by ambitious goals, promising pilots, dynamic tensions and a growing sense of community. The momentum is palpable, and I can’t wait for the year ahead. Before we dive into a new decade, let’s revisit five of the most-read circular economy stories on GreenBiz from 2019, and the implications for circularity in 2020: 1. Loop’s launch brings reusable packaging to the world’s biggest brands: The 2019 poster child of the circular economy brought together the largest brands to pilot new delivery models at scale. With Terracycle CEO Tom Szaky at its helm, Loop’s launch has been a go-to talking point for many on circularity’s potential. How is it going? It’s a story we’ll be tracking in 2020, with a particular focus on retail partnerships and consumer behavior change. 2. The five things you need to know about chemical recycling: Spurred by the growing number of commitments by brands, retailers and other stakeholders to close the loop on plastics, the demand for recycled plastics is quickly increasing (PDF). Enter a class of technologies that purify, decompose or convert waste plastics into like-new molecules that could help meet the growing demand for plastics and petrochemicals, and unlock potential revenue opportunities of $120 billion just in the United States and Canada, according to a report by Closed Loop Partners. However, the technologies, terminology and applications can be confusing and are not widely understood by all. How, and how quickly, will that change? We’ll be looking into that, and paying close attention to the growing number of investments and offtake agreements in this arena. Enter a class of technologies that purify, decompose or convert waste plastics into like-new molecules that could help meet the growing demand for plastics and petrochemicals. 3. The rise of plant-based plastic packaging: In the race to produce plastic packaging alternatives, bioplastics represent one approach that has gotten a lot of attention. They’re a type of plastic made from renewable biological sources, as opposed to traditional plastics, made from fossil fuels. The "bio" in bioplastics can run the gamut from vegetable oils and corn starches to food waste and agricultural leftovers, and these materials raise questions about scalability, end-of-life management and carbon footprint. Will they make a dent in the new plastics economy? We’ll follow their progress, and weighing the benefits against other systemic implications. 4. The circular economy giant you've never heard of is planning a major expansion: Providing crates, pallets and boxes to companies around the world to ship their stuff, CHEP, the supply-chain management arm of Australian logistics giant Brambles, specializes in reusable-packaging equipment. An example of circularity at a massive scale, the company rents pallets and other tertiary packaging to customers and then collects almost every unit back after use to inspect, repair and send back out into the supply chain again. Will CHEP own the market or will others follow? We’ll be watching. 5. It's time to trash recycling: Does recycling cycle materials back into supply chains, or enable companies to evade responsibility for unsustainable consumption patterns? Does it truly reduce waste streams? Even though this article ran just this week, it's already become one of our topic circularity stories of the year. Whether and how to reinvent recycling and will be key circular economy stories in 2020, along with approaches to creating end-markets for under-valued commodities. Whether and how to reinvent recycling and will be key circular economy stories in 2020, along with approaches to creating end-markets for under-valued commodities. It will surprise few that most of the top-read circular stories of 2019 by and large focused on tackling the plastics and packaging problem. As a self-appointed steward of the circular economy narrative, I worry about over-emphasizing one piece of a new economic model, however vexing it may be. Circularity is about innovative business models and modes of consumption, new design strategies, product life extension, food waste and so much more. But for many, plastics and packaging is a gateway into the circularity conversation. It’s an accessible entry point into an aspirational model. But my hope is that once readers pass through this intellectual threshold, they will find dozens of other stories helping to define the circular economy. And we look forward to bringing them to you. Thanks for reading in 2019. Circular Weekly is taking a break for the holidays, but it will return to your inbox Jan. 10 to kick off a new year of stories, news, analysis and opinions about the circular economy. As yet another year circles back to a new beginning, I look forward to continuing to guide you through the ever-evolving and rapidly expanding circular economy landscape, and to helping its many stories unfold.

Maybe you got a holiday tech upgrade with a new phone or laptop. But what you do with old devices matters. A United Nations report in 2017 sounded the alarm on the waste associated with technology, with 45 million tons of e-waste tossed in 2016 — and only about 20% was recycled. If all the valuable metals were collected from those electronics, it would be worth $55 billion. “This problem is burgeoning, it’s getting bigger and bigger,” says Steven Dege with TerraCycle, a company that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials. “And as our population grows, it’s continuing to get bigger and bigger, and if we don’t tackle it or start to develop means or ways to recycle these items, it’s going to become a massive, massive issue later on.” Dege recommends you find a local electronics recycle location. Consumer Reports says you can also donate your old device to a charity or nonprofit. Dell and Goodwill have a partnership that allows you to drop off your old technology at some Goodwill locations. Apple and Amazon may give you a credit or gift card for old electronics. Sprint buys phones from any carrier. Best Buy also has a number of recycling options. But before you do any of that, make sure you protect your data first. “The No. 1 thing that everybody should do is wipe your information off the phone, off your computers, laptops, things of that nature,” Dege says. “You don’t want that information to get anywhere, to go anywhere, other than yourself.” Your best bet on making sure you properly wipe a device is finding a YouTube instructional video specific to that brand and model.

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced the return of Subaru WinterFest presented by Harman Kardon®, the automaker’s highly anticipated, music and lifestyle tour offering one-of-a-kind experiences for winter warriors across the country. Featuring weekend stops at nine of the nation’s top mountain resorts, the 2020 Subaru WinterFest tour will feature live music, complimentary snacks and refreshments, dog activities (at select resorts), daily giveaways and gear demos to create a truly unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts and Subaru owners alike. To eliminate and divert waste from landfills, the automaker will again implement green event practices including expanded recycling collection with TerraCycle® and waste reduction education with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. In partnership with POWDR, one of the last family-owned adventure lifestyle companies with multiple mountain resort destinations, each stop on the Subaru WinterFest tour will include live music sponsored by Harman Kardon®, the premium audio partner for Subaru vehicles. Subaru WinterFest will include shows from national touring bluegrass, indie and Americana bands such as Shakey Graves, Billy Strings, The Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth, The Lil Smokies, Fruition and more. Attendees are encouraged to demo the latest gear from top brands such as Nordica, Lib Tech, SHRED, Thule, and other partners offering daily giveaways on-site. Mountain-goers are invited to play lawn games, relax in hammocks, or warm up at upgraded hangout zones with fire pits by Solo Stove while enjoying winter comforts from Chocolove, KIND Healthy Snacks, La Colombe Coffee Roasters, and SMASHMALLOW. The latest Subaru vehicles will also be on hand for exploration including the all-new 2020 Outback. Through dynamic programming executed by POWDR’s experiential marketing team, weekend guests are encouraged to engage with experts and like-minded adventure seekers – making time off the slopes just as exciting as on them. In addition to guest activities, Subaru owners are invited to partake in the “Subaru Weekend Takeover” featuring special experiences for Subaru owners such as exclusive mountain gondola rides, tram jam sessions, intimate backcountry YURT concerts, and much more. Subaru owners will also receive VIP parking and special gifts (while supplies last). “Subaru has long been known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles that help power skiers and snowboarders to countless winter adventures,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America Inc. “We are delighted to once again help winter warriors seize the snow days and enjoy a memorable experience at the nation’s top mountain resorts.” Subaru Loves the Earth  In line with the automaker’s Subaru Loves The Earth initiative, Subaru will again work alongside TerraCycle to collect hard to recycle waste generated during Subaru WinterFest and Leave No Trace Center to educate consumers on zero landfill practices. Additionally, Subaru has provided co-branded TerraCycle Zero Waste Box™ to all Subaru WinterFest resorts, offering a convenient way for attendees to recycle snack wrappers accumulated from outdoor activities. In partnership with Klean Kanteen, Subaru and Klean event teams will also provide attendees with reusable bottles, mugs, apparel (while supplies last), and daily Klean bundle giveaway prizes, all of which help reduce the environmental footprint. Subaru Loves Pets Dogs and their people are welcome at select Subaru WinterFest resort locations, where they will find games, guided training sessions, photo ops, and giveaways at the Super Chewer Outpost by BARK. These basecamps for dog adventures are built at select tour stops (excludes Snowshoe Mountain, WV and Snowbird, UT) in partnership with BARK, the makers of BarkBox. In collaboration with longtime partner the National Ski Patrol® (NSP), Subaru will continue to put a spotlight on outdoor safety by celebrating the mountain communities’ canine heroes. During WinterFest events this season, for every Subaru information form received, Subaru will donate $1 to the Subaru National Ski Patrol Avalanche Rescue Dog Scholarship Fund, created together with NSP to send avalanche rescue K-9 teams of dogs and their handlers to the biannual Wasatch Backcountry Rescue’s International Dog School. To date, Subaru of America has donated more than $35,000 to the avalanche dog scholarship fund. Avalanche rescue dogs are an amazing resource for ski patrols as one dog can search a far larger area in much less time than even a dozen trained humans.

TerraCycle says it can recycle everything -- ribbons, bows, tissue paper and wrapping paper with glitter -- in its Gift Zero Waste Box Growing unease about waste has some Americans rethinking wrapping paper. Gift wrap is still a huge business. U.S. sales of wrapping paper climbed 4% to $8.14 billion last year, according to a recent report by Sundale Research. But sales of reusable gift bags rose faster, the company said. Sundale said it's also closely watching green trends -- like furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping with fabric -- because they could impact gift wrap sales in the coming years. Marie Wood, a student at Northern Arizona University, started wrapping Christmas gifts in brown paper grocery bags a few years ago when she saw the bags piling up at home. "It wasn't consciously around environmentalism, but a good way to use these bags that aren't going to get used otherwise," she said. Now that her parents carry reusable bags to the grocery, the pile is getting smaller. Wood says she might switch to fabric wrapping that she can reuse each year. "I want to change the disposable nature of my wrapping," she said. Some consumers are ditching wrapping altogether. In a survey released last month, half of U.S. respondents said they will give holiday gifts without wrapping this year to avoid using paper, according to Accenture, a consulting firm. Nearly two-thirds said they would happily receive gifts without wrapping. Read:No pizza boxes, batteries or loose shredded paper -- fix your recycling sins (link) Gift wrap companies are taking notice. IG Design Group, a United Kingdom-based maker of stationery and wrapping paper, said earlier this year that it removed glitter from its paper because it's not recyclable. Paper Source, a Chicago-based chain, introduced a recyclable wrapping paper made out of crushed marble and limestone that uses less water to produce than regular paper. A limited release of the paper sold out before the holidays last year. This year, about one-third of Paper Source's holiday wrapping papers will be stone-based. "Our customer is more aware of sustainability and their carbon footprint," said Patrick Priore, the chief marketing officer for Paper Source. "We would be foolish not to go in that area." Here are some wrapping and recycling ideas: -- Choose recyclable gift wrap. Papers that contain foil, plastic coating, cellophane and glitter are not recyclable, according to the American Forest and Paper Association. The association says a general rule of thumb is to crumple up the paper; if it stays in a tight ball, it's paper-based and can be recycled. Kula, Hawaii-based Wrappily uses old printing presses to print designs on recyclable newsprint. A three-sheet set of its paper is $10. Hallmark sells a set of four rolls -- 35.2 feet in total -- for $14.99. Paper Source says its stone paper can be recycled; it costs $9.95 for a 10-foot roll. -- Go with gift bags. Westlake, Ohio-based American Greetings says gift bags now make up 30% of its wrapping business. They cost more upfront than many wrapping papers, but they're easy to reuse; just cut off ribbon handles -- which aren't recyclable -- if you're putting paper gift bags in the recycling bin. Many sizes and varieties of gift bags are available at Etsy.com. Philadelphia-based VZ Wraps sells a set of three cotton wine bags for $13.59. Amazon has a set of five cotton bags for $23.95. -- Wrap with fabric. An ancient craft in Japan is gaining converts elsewhere. Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade retail chain, sells gift wrap made from saris that are recycled by artisans in Bangladesh. The company says sales have been growing steadily since the wraps were introduced in 2013; so far this year, sales are up 20% over 2018. The 26-square-inch wrap, which comes with instructions, sells for $12.99. Or go even simpler; wrap a gift in a pillowcase or a T-shirt. -- Recycle it all. New Jersey-based recycling company TerraCycle promises to recycle everything -- including ribbons, bows, tissue paper and wrapping paper with glitter -- in its Gift Zero Waste Box. The company sends customers an empty box with a paid return label; once it's full of gift wrap, customers send it back. TerraCycle says it has processes for even hard-to-recycle products like ribbon, which it uses for insulation or melts into plastic pellets. The company says a medium box is the most popular size for family gatherings; it costs $147.

TerraCycle says it can recycle everything -- ribbons, bows, tissue paper and wrapping paper with glitter -- in its Gift Zero Waste Box Growing unease about waste has some Americans rethinking wrapping paper. Gift wrap is still a huge business. U.S. sales of wrapping paper climbed 4% to $8.14 billion last year, according to a recent report by Sundale Research. But sales of reusable gift bags rose faster, the company said. Sundale said it's also closely watching green trends -- like furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping with fabric -- because they could impact gift wrap sales in the coming years. Marie Wood, a student at Northern Arizona University, started wrapping Christmas gifts in brown paper grocery bags a few years ago when she saw the bags piling up at home. "It wasn't consciously around environmentalism, but a good way to use these bags that aren't going to get used otherwise," she said. Now that her parents carry reusable bags to the grocery, the pile is getting smaller. Wood says she might switch to fabric wrapping that she can reuse each year. "I want to change the disposable nature of my wrapping," she said. Some consumers are ditching wrapping altogether. In a survey released last month, half of U.S. respondents said they will give holiday gifts without wrapping this year to avoid using paper, according to Accenture, a consulting firm. Nearly two-thirds said they would happily receive gifts without wrapping. Read:No pizza boxes, batteries or loose shredded paper -- fix your recycling sins (link) Gift wrap companies are taking notice. IG Design Group, a United Kingdom-based maker of stationery and wrapping paper, said earlier this year that it removed glitter from its paper because it's not recyclable. Paper Source, a Chicago-based chain, introduced a recyclable wrapping paper made out of crushed marble and limestone that uses less water to produce than regular paper. A limited release of the paper sold out before the holidays last year. This year, about one-third of Paper Source's holiday wrapping papers will be stone-based. "Our customer is more aware of sustainability and their carbon footprint," said Patrick Priore, the chief marketing officer for Paper Source. "We would be foolish not to go in that area." Here are some wrapping and recycling ideas: -- Choose recyclable gift wrap. Papers that contain foil, plastic coating, cellophane and glitter are not recyclable, according to the American Forest and Paper Association. The association says a general rule of thumb is to crumple up the paper; if it stays in a tight ball, it's paper-based and can be recycled. Kula, Hawaii-based Wrappily uses old printing presses to print designs on recyclable newsprint. A three-sheet set of its paper is $10. Hallmark sells a set of four rolls -- 35.2 feet in total -- for $14.99. Paper Source says its stone paper can be recycled; it costs $9.95 for a 10-foot roll. -- Go with gift bags. Westlake, Ohio-based American Greetings says gift bags now make up 30% of its wrapping business. They cost more upfront than many wrapping papers, but they're easy to reuse; just cut off ribbon handles -- which aren't recyclable -- if you're putting paper gift bags in the recycling bin. Many sizes and varieties of gift bags are available at Etsy.com. Philadelphia-based VZ Wraps sells a set of three cotton wine bags for $13.59. Amazon has a set of five cotton bags for $23.95. -- Wrap with fabric. An ancient craft in Japan is gaining converts elsewhere. Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade retail chain, sells gift wrap made from saris that are recycled by artisans in Bangladesh. The company says sales have been growing steadily since the wraps were introduced in 2013; so far this year, sales are up 20% over 2018. The 26-square-inch wrap, which comes with instructions, sells for $12.99. Or go even simpler; wrap a gift in a pillowcase or a T-shirt. -- Recycle it all. New Jersey-based recycling company TerraCycle promises to recycle everything -- including ribbons, bows, tissue paper and wrapping paper with glitter -- in its Gift Zero Waste Box. The company sends customers an empty box with a paid return label; once it's full of gift wrap, customers send it back. TerraCycle says it has processes for even hard-to-recycle products like ribbon, which it uses for insulation or melts into plastic pellets. The company says a medium box is the most popular size for family gatherings; it costs $147.