Story perspectives

US Targets E-Waste Recycling to Reduce China Dependency

3/10/2026

Center

U.S. Boosts Recycling

United States aims to boost electronic waste recycling to lessen reliance on China for minerals.
Audrey Robertson, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary, said at Council on Foreign Relations event that innovative recycling techniques could improve the supply chain within the next year.
The new technologies could enable simultaneous processing of various critical minerals.
Nathan Ratledge, CEO of Alta Resource Technologies, cautioned that reversing decades of reliance on China poses challenges.

Left

U.S. Forms Trading Bloc

The United States is forming a trading bloc for critical minerals to reduce dependence on China.
This shift prioritizes military and digital needs over clean energy.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump aims to stockpile minerals under Project Vault.
Agreements with resource-rich countries could undermine sovereignty and economic development.
Critics argue that a just energy transition requires equitable resource management and global cooperation.

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U.S. Boosts Recycling

United States aims to boost electronic waste recycling to lessen reliance on China for minerals.
Audrey Robertson, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary, said at Council on Foreign Relations event that innovative recycling techniques could improve the supply chain within the next year.
The new technologies could enable simultaneous processing of various critical minerals.
Nathan Ratledge, CEO of Alta Resource Technologies, cautioned that reversing decades of reliance on China poses challenges.

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