Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize

Prize Name: Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize (E-SCRAP) 

Federal Funds Amount: Up to $3.05 million in total cash prizes and $900,000 in national laboratory analysis support 

Description 

On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of the Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize. This three-phase competition will award up to $4 million to competitors to substantially increase the production and use of critical materials recovered from electronic scrap—or e-scrap.  

E-scrap—which includes mobile phones, home appliances, medical or office equipment, an anything else powered by electricity—represents the fastest growing waste stream globally, with e-scrap generation expected to double 2014 levels by 2030.  

Only 17.4% of e-scrap was collected and recycled globally in 2019, discarding 83% of e-waste and $57 billion in raw material value. However, e-scrap recovery faces numerous roadblocks, including a fragmented recycling value chain, a complex and dynamic feedstock, and a rapidly evolving end-use market.  

This prize encourages innovations that enhance the recovery of critical materials along the recycling value chain from end-of-life products to reintroduction. Innovation is also needed to facilitate the integration of the separation technologies into the recycling value chain.  

Eligibility 

Eligible participations for Phase 1: Incubation: 

• Can include individuals, teams of individuals, private entities (for-profits and nonprofits), and nonfederal government entities (such as states, counties, tribes, municipalities, and academic institutions). 
• May submit a maximum of two submissions. If more than two submissions are received from a competitor, the two most recently submitted submissions will be considered. Only one submission per competitor can win Phase 1. 
• Competitors can be partners on multiple submissions but may only be the lead competitor on one funded submission. Note: The cash prize award will be paid to the lead competitor as identified in the submissions if selection. 

More Information 

• View the website for this prize. 
• View the full rules document for this prize. 
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