Federal bill to ban the export of E-waste, suffers from a big loophole

Earlier, I supported a US House Resolution to ban the export of toxic e-waste to developing countries. That resolution was turned into a bill by Rep Greene that I can now no longer support. I understand this bill will be introduced this Friday, May 22. I urge our legislators to NOT co-sponsor this legislation and instead ask Rep. Greene and the other co-authors to strengthen the bill to match the intent of the original resolution – to stop the dumping of toxic e-waste on developing countries not equipped to safely and sustainably handle this material.

The main issue I have with the bill is the last exception to the ban on exports of used electronic equipment or parts. It essentially creates a huge loophole that allows anyone who claims the e-waste they ship to developing countries is “intended” for repair and reuse.  I know of many companies in the industry who ship equipment to China where it is clear there is no chance the majority of this equipment would actually get repaired and refurbished. Instead, it pollutes countries that are powerless to stop the tide of these toxins.

This bill also negatively impacts a thriving industry in the United States. Hundreds of domestic IT asset retirement firms create sustainable jobs by engaging in the valuable refurbishing and remarketing of reusable electronics and responsible domestic recycling of unusable equipment. It is nearly impossible to compete on price, especially in this economic climate, with low wage, unregulated processing firms from abroad.

The bill could be corrected to ensure that legitimate reuse and repair happens both in the United States and in developing countries where these jobs are also needed and these repaired products do have a place in the market.

But let’s not kid ourselves.  Unscrupulous processors will use the bill in its current form to legitimize the dumping of unrepairable electronic scrap into Third World countries.  The general public will be duped once again, until another 60 Minutes report exposes the fallacy of our good “intentions.”

Comments

[Recycle Electronics]

When will the exploitation stop. Intentional loopholes like this don't help anyone. It's like the person who wrote the bill thinks there's a difference between OUR environment, and the rest of the world's environment. IT'S ONE PLANET... JEESH!

[Houston computer recycling]

A report by Environmental Media Services stated that electronic products often contain hazardous materials,lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Computer monitors contain 6.3% lead and an EPA study showed that 40% of the lead in US landfills is from discarded electronic products.

[Computer Recycling]

There is no excuse for the exportation of waste. in the UK they are clamping down hard which is good to see. Our waste is our problem and it should be the rule! Companies are trying to get out of pyaing for hazardous waste treatment and pass the buck.

[IT-Green Computer recycling]

We have the same issue in the EU, and I would hazard a guess that the WEEE directive has been used as a model for the US's proposed ban. However, even our waste electronics control system is flawed, with much of the waste being shipped out of the UK in particular, whilst being labelled as working (which it isn't). This particularly applies to computers.

[Edward]

From the UK side of things..

Businesses must select a qualified provider of secure computer disposal and recycling services. This became effective following on from the introduction of the WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) in 2007. Computer Waste Ltd (www.computer-waste.co.uk) is a registered secure WEEE disposal business. Based in the North West of England (Manchester), Computer Waste Ltd offers many services for businesses & organisations to securely and ethically recycle redundant IT equipment. As an AATF (Approved Authorised Treatment Facility), Computer Waste Ltd is equipped to cater for all organisations large or small, including government. Selecting a credible, secure Computer Waste Disposal company to de-commissionn IT equipment is fundamental, and the reason why Computer Waste Ltd is approved by a government body, whereby tonnes of redundant IT equipment is recycled each year.

As a fully environmentally friendly business, Computer Waste Ltd sends nothing to landfill from a WEEE perspective. Each item that arrives at the premises is dealt with through flow process diagrams and BATRRT (Best available treatment recovery and recycling techniques) Laptops, reasonable specification PC's and TFT's monitors are tested and if need be refurbished to a re-useable condition. All other items that are either too old for re-use, or are non-repairable are sent for what is known as 'full' recycling, whereby the raw materials such as lead, platinum, steel etc are recovered. This is known as Ethical computer recycling.

Computer Waste Ltd has developed a 'business friendly' Computer Disposal and Recycling Service initiative for qualifiying clients (including data destruction). Zero cost to the client is a common factor as the inventory (quantity and type of IT equipment released for recycling) commonly meets Computer Waste Ltd minimum criteria. Many clients across the UK, are benefiting from the secure peace of mind services that Computer Waste Ltd provides.

Collection of equipment is scheduled on a pre-arranged basis with the customer and items are recovered immediately back to a secure unit near Manchester, where CCTV cameras are in operation 24 hours a day (internal & external) along with site security. Computer Waste staff are trained to effectively process your equipment safely, with the overriding emphasis focussed on data removal & customer satisfaction. Hard disk drives are wiped to both NHS and Defence standards in a sectioned data removal area, any non wipeable hard drives (for example if the disk does not power up & is faulty) are crushed using a hard disk crushing mechanism and are processed for full recycling. Areas covered for recycling include, Computer Disposal Lancashire, Computer Disposal Manchester, Computer Disposal Birmingham, Computer Disposal London, Computer Disposal Scotland, Computer Disposal England, Computer Disposal North East, Computer Disposal West Midlands, Computer Disposal East Midlands, Computer Disposal Yorkshire, Computer Disposal Ireland, Computer Disposal Isle Of Man, Computer Disposal Newcastle, Computer Disposal Leeds, Computer Disposal Liverpool, Computer Disposal Wales

As well as the areas mentioned above, Computer Waste Ltd serves any other region of the UK and can provide effective services at short notice in many circumstances. Sales queries are invited, but in the first instance, potential buyers are asked to follow procedure by logging onto the website www.computer-waste.co.uk and entering the Team Contacts area, where an email is to be sent for review, following on from successful review of the potential new purchaser (company reg number, VAT registration etc) Computer Waste Ltd will upon requirement, invite the new buyer to attend site.

For any more information regarding WEEE, Computer Disposals, recycling and data destruction solutions, visit www.computer-waste.co.uk or contact Computer Waste Ltd on 01706 844699 today.

[Chris Esikumo]

Companies should be focused on reusing the 'ewaste'. I have it in quotes since it is only waste when it cant be reused anymore. We,www.theusedcomputers.com, have been reusing most of the computers that our clients have been giving us for recycling. If most recycling companies can embrace this, then we will definately have less ewaste exported.

[Chris Esikumo]

Companies should be focused on reusing the 'ewaste'. I have it in quotes since it is only waste when it cant be reused anymore. We,www.theusedcomputers.com, have been reusing most of the computers that our clients have been giving us for recycling. If most recycling companies can embrace this, then we will definately have less ewaste exported.

contact us at http://www.theusedcomputers.com/

[Computer Recycling]

The reuse of e-waste through the WEEE directive is best seen in the recycling of computers. The best source for a better environment on a day o day basis in every city in the UK would be through the use of a computer recycle company.

[new jersey divorce attorney]

Hi… that was great stuff.. I really like reading on this subject Could you tell me more on that… I love to explore - http://coloradoewasterecycling.com

[Manga-Fu]

In the UK, companies like www.manga-fu.com can be used.
They recycle all forms of WEEE and are specialists in computer recycling, but importantly, Manga-Fu are an AATF (Approved Authorised Treatment Facility), see this and their other accreditations on their website -
Manga-Fu Computer Recycling Centre

[J Gerard]

With the overproduction of computers and gadgets, developing countries have been the dumping site of the more developed ones. We should do something about this or we will just find ourselves flooded with such wastes.

[David]

Intentional loopholes like this don't help anyone. An example of the computer recycling place http://www.Ecycle.co.nz in New Zealand.

[Noel]

I think this is a global issue. This is a problem not endemic to one region. In fact, different efforts are being undertaken is different countries and recycling is getting a major boost. This company in Australia in fact turned other people's waste into something beneficial and profitable. http://cashforcomputers.com.au/