The Mid-Atlantic Recycling Center for End-of-Life (EOL) Electronics (MARCEE) is currently creating and implementing a regional model for the full disposition of electronic products and materials with a focus on the recovery of polymers.
The MARCEE project is creating a framework to attract a cluster of private sector companies to locate and operate in Wood County, West Virginia, in effect creating a “Triage” operation. The purpose of the Triage is to receive computers, monitors, printers and other electronics for disassembly, separation and consolidation of like materials (plastics, glass and metals). The products will be resold as raw materials for manufacturing operations.
The MARCEE project is a collaboration among several organizations with complementary strengths: the Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc (PAZ) and its industry consortium, West Virginia University and its research capabilities and Innovative Management & Technology Services (IMTS), a high-tech software development firm. The PAZ/West Virginia team has also aligned itself with leading technical and environmental groups throughout the United States that are working to capture maximum value from obsolete electronics. The ultimate success of the project will depend on developing high-value and economically attractive uses for recycled plastics – historically the most challenging aspect of electronics recycling.