ewastefinalPres

S. 510: Electronic Waste Recycling Promotion and Consumer Protection Act : 

S. 510: Electronic Waste Recycling Promotion and Consumer Protection Act Final Briefing August 16, 2006 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Cohen

Agenda: 

Agenda What is Electronic Waste (eWaste)? Why is it a problem? What are the toxic components? Why is eWaste in Landfills Controversial? Why do we need national legislation and what will it do? How do we measure success? Why is this important? Electronic Waste Recycling

What is eWaste?: 

What is eWaste? As defined by the legislation, it is discarded . . . Televisions, Computer Monitors Central Processing Units (CPU) In the future, the definition may include . . . Cell Phones, PDAs, MP3 Players Video and DVD Players http://epsc.wustl.edu/admin/whatsnew/photo_album/comp_trash.html Electronic Waste Recycling

Why is eWaste a Problem? : 

Electronic Waste Recycling Why is eWaste a Problem? Rapid Technology Changes Increased Consumer Electronic Purchases More eWaste More Hazardous Materials Landfilled Increasing Human Health Risks

Why is eWaste a Problem? (con’t…) : 

Electronic Waste Recycling Why is eWaste a Problem? (con’t…) USEPA Electronics Waste Management in the US In the US in 2005, 42 million computers were discarded 25 million in storage 4 million recycled 13 million landfilled 0.5 million incinerated

What Are The Toxic Components?: 

What Are The Toxic Components? Electronic Waste Recycling www.news.bbc.co.uk

Why is eWaste in Landfills Controversial? : 

Why is eWaste in Landfills Controversial? Electronic Waste Recycling www.metrokc.gov/dnr/kidsweb/landfill.htm eWaste constitutes 40% of lead and 70% of heavy metals in landfills Daily Cover Refuse Cell Leachate Collection Plastic Liner Clay Barrier

Why is eWaste in Landfills Controversial? (con’t): 

Electronic Waste Recycling Why is eWaste in Landfills Controversial? (con’t) The uncertain science of landfills Inconsistent data regarding dose levels & exposure route Rudimentary eWaste recycling could create more environmental hazards than landfilling

Proposed eWaste Solution: 

Create incentives to recycle Large quantity generators ≥ $40,000/year in tax credits Individual tax payers receive one $15 credit/year for recycling one or more units of eWaste Re-evaluate program in three years It may become illegal to throw away eWaste if adequate recycling infrastructure is available to public Potential issues Nothing in legislation mandates recycling center creation Re-use incentives noticeably absent Proposed eWaste Solution Electronic Waste Recycling

How Do We Measure Success?: 

How Do We Measure Success? In Proposed Legislation No performance goals set, but re-evaluation in 3 years If successful, reduction of eWaste tonnage into waste stream and increased recycling is expected May encourage manufacturer responsibility http://www.pc-recycling.com/ Electronic Waste Recycling

Why Do We Need National Legislation?: 

Why Do We Need National Legislation? Current eWaste regulations create uneven regulatory regime Some states/localities have already enacted legislation Difficult for manufacturers to comply state-to-state Only large-quantity generators are regulated Majority of eWaste created by households & smaller quantity generators – not currently regulated Electronic Waste Recycling

Why is this Important?: 

Why is this Important? eWaste problem growing…needs immediate action New legislation will create recycling industry uniformity Recycling will become more accessible to individuals First step to more comprehensive legislation Electronic Waste Recycling