With rare earth supplies uncertain and gold and silver prices spiking, a new international project wants to mine a potentially huge untapped source of minerals and metals: that dresser drawer where you’re hoarding all your old cell phones.

Electronic waste is not a new problem. It’s estimated that only 10-15 percent of personal electronics–cellphones, computers, televisions, etc.–are properly recycled. Many are shipped abroad for “recycling” (where health and environmental laws are lax), but even among those many of the components, some of which are toxic, become landfill. The rest end up in dumps here in the U.S., or in that aforementioned dresser drawer where your Nokia 1600 still resides, just in case you need it someday (you won’t).

Read More: http://www.frontsidebus.net/2011/05/a-new-international-project-aims-to-track-u-s-electronic-waste-for-recycling/

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

The electronics that provide us with convenience often end up discarded in developing countries where improper disposal can threaten local people and the environment. EPA recognizes this urgent concern and will work with international partners to address the issues of E-waste. In the near-term, EPA will focus on ways to improve the design, production, handling, reuse, recycling, exporting and disposal of electronics.

• 2009 Workshop on Electronic Waste in West Africa
• Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)
• Reducing Hazardous Waste in the Arctic
• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous

Link: http://www.epa.gov/international/topsix.html#reduceh

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

The manufacturer registration required under Part 173 must include specific details on the manufacturer’s e-waste takeback program.  The takeback program must be free and convenient for consumers.  Manufacturers are required to establish and maintain a website and to otherwise inform consumers about how to recycle the covered equipment.  Computer manufacturers are only required to take back devices they manufacture, whereas television manufacturers are required to take back all television brands, regardless of the manufacturer.  Annually manufacturers must submit information on the total weight of the covered electronic devices collected by the takeback program, the processes and methods used to recycle or reuse the covered electronic devices, and the identity of any collector or recycler with whom the manufacturer contracts for the collection and recycling of covered electronic devices received from consumers.

Recyclers of covered electronic equipment must also register with the DEQ by October 30, 2009, and pay an annual fee of $2,000.  Recyclers must certify that they are recycling in a manner that complies with federal and state laws, including rules promulgated by the DEQ, and local ordinances, and they must employ industry-accepted procedures for the destruction of data.  Recyclers must maintain a documented environmental, health, and safety management system that may be audited and is compliant with or equivalent to ISO 14001.  Recyclers must also annually report the total weight of covered electronic devices recycled during the previous year and maintain records identifying all persons to whom the recycler provided electronic devices or materials for further processing. 

The DEQ is currently working on implementing the newly created law.  Updated information and forms will be posted on this page as they become available.

Link: 

http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3585_4130_18096-208087–,00.html

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

LANSING, MI. — The following is a message from the Michigan Senate:

The Michigan Senate today approved legislation that will establish a manufacturer-driven program to increase the recycling of consumer computer electronics without a charge on consumers. Both measures, sponsored by Sens. Patty Birkholz and Valde Garcia, were sent to the governor to be signed into law.

“E-waste recycling is an important program because it allows state residents to properly handle old computer equipment free of charge,” said Birkholz, R-Saugatuck Township. “By recycling these items, consumers can help reduce the amount of hazardous materials being placed in our landfills.”

Senate Bill 897, sponsored by Garcia, and SB 898, sponsored by Birkholz, will require manufacturers of consumer computer electronics to implement a take-back program for the free return of computers and video display devices that they produce. To participate, a manufacturer must first register with the state.

Part of the Senate Republican “Green Michigan Initiative,” the legislation will:

• Outline registration guidelines for manufacturers who opt to be in the program;
• Establish requirements for the electronics take-back program;
• Develop an Electronic Waste Advisory Council;
• Create the Electronics Waste Recycling Fund.

To read the entire article, please follow this link: 

http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=237258

Bookmark It

Hide Sites