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Monday, September 13, 2010: 11:05 AM-11:45 AM
Vinings II (The Westin Peachtree Plaza)
Down the Rabbit Hole: Managing the risks of an electronics recycling program
The prevalence of electronics in our society has made used electronics the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. In a July, 2008 report, the USEPA Office of Solid Waste estimated a doubling of electronics products ready for end of life (EOL) management from 1999 to 2007, with only 18% collected for recycling in 20071. It is estimated that two-thirds of the electronics removed from service were still functional. Clearly, the proper management of used electronics is an important sustainability issue, but their reuse and recycling present significant social, environmental and profitability challenges to public and government entities working to dispose of used electronics in an environmentally sound manner. Liability, security and brand reputation risks arise from a complex and interdependent mix of factors:
· US and international compliance
· Data security gaps
· Environmental justice
· Illegal export
· Unsafe recycling practices in developing countries.
Competing new certifications standards, NGO watchdog groups and increasing state and international regulations combine with layers of downstream recycling processors and electronics resellers to create a complex web of potential pitfalls and hurdles. This presentation will attempt to clarify the issues surrounding electronics recycling; compare the new certification standards (R2, e-stewards, RIOS) and regulations (Basel Convention, EU’s WEEE, USEPA CRT Rule); and describe a risk-based, multi-layer approach to establishing a sustainable electronics recycling program.
1US EPA. “Electronics Waste Management in the United States: Approach One.” Final July 2008. EPA530-R-08-009.
The prevalence of electronics in our society has made used electronics the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. In a July, 2008 report, the USEPA Office of Solid Waste estimated a doubling of electronics products ready for end of life (EOL) management from 1999 to 2007, with only 18% collected for recycling in 20071. It is estimated that two-thirds of the electronics removed from service were still functional. Clearly, the proper management of used electronics is an important sustainability issue, but their reuse and recycling present significant social, environmental and profitability challenges to public and government entities working to dispose of used electronics in an environmentally sound manner. Liability, security and brand reputation risks arise from a complex and interdependent mix of factors:
· US and international compliance
· Data security gaps
· Environmental justice
· Illegal export
· Unsafe recycling practices in developing countries.
Competing new certifications standards, NGO watchdog groups and increasing state and international regulations combine with layers of downstream recycling processors and electronics resellers to create a complex web of potential pitfalls and hurdles. This presentation will attempt to clarify the issues surrounding electronics recycling; compare the new certification standards (R2, e-stewards, RIOS) and regulations (Basel Convention, EU’s WEEE, USEPA CRT Rule); and describe a risk-based, multi-layer approach to establishing a sustainable electronics recycling program.
1US EPA. “Electronics Waste Management in the United States: Approach One.” Final July 2008. EPA530-R-08-009.
Author:
John Storlie