California Representative Mike Thompson Calls On Congress To Lead By Example In Handling Its Own E-Waste. Introduces A New Resolution (H.Res.938)

Posted on November 20, 2009 by admin

SAN FRANCISCO – November 20 – Representative Mike Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the new e-Stewards Standard – the highest in the industry.

“In choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards, Congress is saying they want to be sure their old computers and other electronic products don’t end up being exported to developing nations, or sent to prison recycling shops,” said Barbara Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. “We are very pleased to see Congress lead by example in solving the problem of global e-waste dumping.”

The resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to establish and implement “a coordinated program for the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of obsolete computers and other electronic equipment used by offices of the legislative branch using only those companies independently certified as meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which forbids the export of e-waste to developing countries and use of prison labor.”

“As consumers of electronic equipment, we are all faced with the real choice of becoming part of the e-waste problem or being part of the solution,” said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic waste trade. “Congress, informed by the horrific pictures of Chinese and African children wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled and practical one. This bipartisan resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows Congress wants to be part of the solution.”

The e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new ‘gold standard’ for electronics recyclers and asset managers, as well as verification system, where only accredited, third-party auditors can certify whether recyclers are meeting the standard. The standard is currently held by the Basel Action Network, but was developed in collaboration with leaders in the recycling, auditing, occupational health, data security, and manufacturing industries as well as from the accredited third party certification industry.

There is little federal regulation of the recycling industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible companies in this industry who wish to distinguish themselves can now become certified to the new standard which require them to handle electronic and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that protects the environment and the social and health and safety concerns of the workforce, throughout the recycling chain around the world. This is the only e-waste recycling standard that prohibits the export of e-waste from developed to developing nations.

E-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not actually recycled, but is exported to developing nations where it is handled in very crude and dangerous ways that expose workers and communities to toxic materials.

For more information:

Link to the resolution: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938:
Link to e-Stewards page: http://www.e-stewards.org/
Electronics TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/

New Research Shows The Average Consumer Has 2.8 Pieces Of Unused, Broken, Or Obsolete Electronics Equipment In Their Home Or Storage Area.

Posted on November 18, 2009 by admin

November 19, 2009

The volume of obsolete electronics equipment entering the world’s landfills continues to rise and is expected to reach 73 million metric tons by 2010, placing a significant burden on solid waste management systems. According to a recent survey of more than 1,000 Americans published by Pike Research, consumer awareness of the e-waste threat is increasing, and 76% of respondents stated that recycling is the most appropriate way to handle unused, broken, or obsolete electronics equipment at the end of its useful life.

“The consumer is an integral link in the chain for electronics recycling and e-waste management,” says managing director Clint Wheelock. “In order for the industry to achieve its goals, consumer values, attitudes, and behavior will need to support responsible handling of end-of-life electronics equipment. Popular sentiment is also essential to support the political will of governments as they strive to mitigate e-waste issues through legislation and regulation.”

Key findings of Pike Research’s survey include the following consumer insights:

37% of consumers felt that electronics recycling should be free, and an additional 35% stated that electronics should be collected and processed as part of a curbside recycling program.
Only 14% felt that the cost of electronics recycling should be borne by consumers at the points of purchase or recycling. 10% supported the concept of “producer responsibility” where the manufacturer pays, an approach increasingly being adopted by many OEMs.
The average consumer has 2.8 pieces of unused, broken, or obsolete electronics equipment in their home or storage area.
The average consumer surveyed estimated that the cost of collecting, hauling, demanufacturing, and recycling a single piece of used electronics equipment is $12, however Pike Research’s analysis indicates that the true cost is more than $20.

Pike Research’s study, “Electronics Recycling and E-Waste Issues”, provides a comprehensive analysis of the global e-waste landscape. The report includes SWOT analysis for key sectors, analysis of consumer survey results, and forecasts for e-waste generation and processing volumes through 2025. The consumer survey referenced above was a structured, web-based questionnaire conducted among a nationally representative and demographically balanced sample of U.S. consumers. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors. For more information, visitwww.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.7609.

1st International Electronics Recycling Conference & Expo (IERCE 2009)

Posted on November 16, 2009 by admin

The first International Electronics Recycling Conference and Expo was recently held in Los Angeles, California. With over 40 speakers, several hundred attendees and 50 exhibitors, the event was a huge success. Most participants are already looking forward to next year’s event. Participants included exhibitors and representatives from over 300 electronics manufacturers, electronics resellers and electronic waste management companies representing over 20 nations.

In addition to 20 educative sessions, discussions and presentations from speakers including Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network, the 2 day event also included a trade-show with exhibitors ranging from electronics resellers, recyclers, certification consultants, environmental groups and more. ” We made a lot of potentially lucrative deals and the sessions were highly informative , I’ve learned a lot and made a lot of contacts in 2 days” states Sharmaine Robinson who is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at IT renew, an electronics recycling and asset recovery corporation based in Newark , California.

Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation’s leading recycler of electronic waste, received the prestigious “Electronic Recycler of the Year” award at this year’s International Electronics Recycling Conference & Expo. Other award winners included the Seattle based environmental watchdog group, Basel Action Network, Canadian based recycler G.E.E.P & Dexter, Michigan based wireless handset recycler, Recellular.

“We believe our honorees are great examples and true leaders in the responsible yet environmentally-friendly management of end of life, defective and surplus electronic assets” states Ismail Oyekan, Program Director of the International Electronics Recycling Expo. “Electronic waste from surplus and end of life assets represent the fastest growing waste streams globally and our event is designed to bring together leading experts in an ideal platform to learn new market trends and exchange best practice ideas”.

“It’s truly a humbling honor to be recognized as the leader in our industry,” said John S. Shegerian, ERI’s Chairman and CEO. “That we received the recognition at this terrific, forward thinking event, the International Electronics Recycling Conference & Expo, makes it even more special because we know those monitoring our industry the closest are the ones who have decided to single us out. We congratulate the organizers of this event for bringing together the planet’s top electronic recyclers for an exchange of ideas. At ERI, we work every day to make sure we are setting an example of sustainability and environmental responsibility that we hope all electronic recyclers follow. This kind of recognition helps inspire our entire team to continue with that cause.”

For more information including future dates, registration and exhibitor info visit www.electronicsrecyclingexpo.com