03-04-2010, 10:12 AM
Electronic Waste Recycling Promotion and Consumer Protection Act
Presented By:
Shannon Binns Seth Carlson Eliza Kretzman Monica Kurpiewski Sung Ah Lee Safet Marke Allison Reilly Carrie J.
Senefelder Sam Wade Sarah Wilson
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Cohen
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
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
Why is eWaste a Problem
In the US in 2005, 42 million computers were discarded
25 million in storage
4 million recycled
13 million landfilled
0.5 million incinerate
What Are The Toxic Components
Why is eWaste in Landfills Controversial
Why is eWaste in Landfills Controversial (conâ„¢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
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
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
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