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

Shannon Binns Seth Carlson Eliza Kretzman Monica Kurpiewski Sung Ah Lee . Safet Marke Allison Reilly Carrie J. Senefelder Sam Wade Sarah Wilson. S. 510: Electronic Waste Recycling Promotion and Consumer Protection Act . Final Briefing August 16, 2006. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Cohen.

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

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  1. Shannon BinnsSeth CarlsonEliza KretzmanMonica KurpiewskiSung Ah Lee Safet Marke Allison ReillyCarrie J. SenefelderSam WadeSarah Wilson S. 510: Electronic Waste Recycling Promotion and Consumer Protection Act Final Briefing August 16, 2006 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Cohen

  2. 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

  3. 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

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

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

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

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

  8. http://www.pc-recycling.com/ 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 Electronic Waste Recycling

  9. 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 recyclingcenter creation • Re-use incentives noticeably absent Electronic Waste Recycling

  10. 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 manufacturerresponsibility http://www.pc-recycling.com/ Electronic Waste Recycling

  11. 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

  12. 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

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