EPA Releases "Recycling Strategy" for Electronics, E-Waste Exports
The Environmental Protection Agency on July 20, 2011 unveiled the "National Strategy for Electronic Stewardship" - a strategy for responsible electronic design, management and recycling in order to promote the recycling market and job creation. Dell Inc., Sprint, and Sony Electronics are the first companies to have signed agreements to support the strategy.
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EPA states the strategy also commits the federal government to take specific actions that will encourage a more environmentally friendly design of electronic products, promote recycling of used or discarded electronics, and advance a domestic market for electronics recycling that will protect public health and create jobs.
The strategy is directed at responsible electronic design, purchasing, management and recycling in order to promote the electronics recycling market and jobs of the future in the U.S.
Strategy Includes Actions to Reduce Harm of U.S. E-Waste Exports
With respect to exports, the initiative's strategy report, which was also released on July 20, states that the federal government will reduce harm from U.S. exports of e-waste and improve safe handling of used electronics in developing countries by:
- Working with exporters to explore how to incentivize and promote the safe handling of remanufactured, recycled, and used electronics at home and abroad.
- Proposing regulatory changes to improve compliance with the existing regulation that governs the export of cathode ray tubes from used computer monitors and televisions that are destined for reuse and recycling.
- Supporting ratification of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
- Providing technical assistance and establish partnerships with developing countries to better manage used electronics.
- Improving information on trade flows and handling of used electronics, and share data with Federal and international agencies, within the limits of existing legal authorities.
(Every year, EPA states that Americans generate almost 2.5 million tons of used electronics, which are made from valuable resources such as precious metals and rare earth materials, as well as plastic and glass. From computers and cell phones, to portable communication and music devices -- the U.S. is, and will continue to be, a global leader in designing and developing new and improved electronic technologies. The responsible management of electronics provides an opportunity to create economic development and jobs by developing a strong domestic electronics recycling market while preventing pollution at home and abroad.)
EPA webpage on electronic waste stewardship available here.