Laptop Magazine recently highlighted the recycling policies of major electronics manufacturers and retailers. Some manufacturers and retailers will graciously recycle old and unused electronics equipment (including notebook computers, cell phones, computer monitors, etc.), while some charge a fee to recycle gadgets that would otherwise end up in the trash. However, a few others are offering store credit for products returned to their stores. These policies should be promoted and definitely taken advantage of.
The Laptop Magazine article inspired us to take a look at the issue of e-waste and we found that the seriousness of this issue and the government responses has spawned an entire e-waste industry. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that we generated 1.5 billion pounds of all kinds of e-waste in 2006. This includes an estimated 44 million computers and televisions. Certain components contain materials that cannot be recycled or make them hazardous. If these items are disposed in landfills or, worse, dumped illegally, potentially toxic components may contaminate ground water or pollute the environment. In addition to the local environmental problems, human rights organizations have highlighted international health issues and economic problems associated with e-waste.
Recent technological advancements provide manufacturers with less toxic material choices and more cost-effective ways to recover electronic circuitry and associated equipment. As a result, according to the Electronic Waste Recovery Business “the worldwide market for electronic waste will rise at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 8.8% from $7.2 billion in 2004 to $11 billion in 2009.” This market potential has led to a variety of e-waste business models. Websites such as http://ewasteguide.info/ do a better job at illustrating the global scale and the dizzying array of methods governments and entities have undertaken to tackle the e-waste phenomenon. Our focus here, as always, is the LA region, and we found that the County of LA has a website devoted to e-waste programs. The site details a variety of sustainable ways to dispose of e-waste, and explains that as of February 2006, California law prohibits televisions, computers, laptops, printers, cell phones, cables, VCRs, copiers, fax machines, stereos, and electronic games from being disposed in the trash and subsequently landfilled or incinerated.
One of the largest private enterprises taking on this issue is Electronic Recyclers International, which specializes in the environmentally safe and socially responsible dismantling of Cathode Ray Tubes. ERI contracts with large entities to access their e-waste, which ERI dismantles for the valuable materials remaining inside. ERI is also working with Environmental Media Association in launching a national campaign to recycle cell phones.
TechForward is another local e-waste business that is providing consumers of electronic gadgets a way of retaining value in their purchases. Basically when you purchase computers or other consumer electronics you pay a fee that guarantees you what TechForward will pay you for the item at different times in the not-so-distant future. In addition to tackling the e-waste problem, TechForward gives consumers something back, especially those like me stuck in the Ipod/Iphone vicious cycle, where a new must-have version is guaranteed to come to market in the next 2.5 years, because it appears to be a worthwhile investment to lock in a certain sell-back value. Seems like only a matter of time before retailers and manufacturers offer a similar service.
Additionally, there are a number of non-profit organizations that will allow you to do “good things” with your e-waste. One example is Spectrum West, who rebuilds old personal computer systems, telephones and toner cartridges, to be used by after school educational programs. The LA Times Emerald City blog highlighted some other ways to tackle your e-waste problem while giving to schools or charities, including LACoMAX (specify “for schools and nonprofits only”) or donate to National Cristina Foundation, a nonprofit that matches computers and computer-related equipment to charities, schools and public agencies in all 50 states.
If you know of other e-waste programs, please let us know.
