Could RFID tags clutter the earth?

As RFID tags enter recycling mills as part of old corrugated containers, the question arises as to tags environmental impact. The Fibre Box Association (FBA), a Rolling Meadows, IL. -based trade association, conducted a study on the effect of copper foil and conductive silver ink in recycling operations. The concern was whether metals were present in wastewater, solid residuals or in the product at concentrations that approach or exceed regulatory limits.

Among the study’s results were the revelation that laminated copper foil antennas do not readily break down and are removed early in the pulping process as a non-recyclable solid waste.

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