Dive Brief:

• ecoATMs are under scrutiny due to the ease of exchanging stolen phones for cash. The e-waste collection units allow consumers to recycle electronics at an automated kiosk, and criminals are taking advantage of the service.
• The process is too enticing for thieves who are stealing phones. Until recently, there was no limit to the quantity of phones that were dropped into the machine. The new limit caps exchanges at the machines to five devices in four months.
• The Columbus Division of Police in Ohio met with the company, ecoATM, to discuss changes to its business model. A "Do Not Buy From Convicted Thieves" list was created as a result of the meeting.

Dive Insight:

ecoATM, a private company based in San Diego, California, is the first company to make a fully automated e-waste recycling unit. The company reuses three-fourths of the electronic waste collected at its machines. The remainder of devices are recycled to reclaim metals.

The company views its cash payments as incentives for consumers to recycle e-waste. According to a statement issued by ecoATM, the company has "developed state of the art technologies we believe are the gold standard for providing customers with a safe and convenient way to recycle their used electronics."