(6) E-Waste

electronic waste

e-waste

can include a range of electronic devices (TV, monitor, computer)

typically does not include appliances or machinery

categorized as its own because of materials

why do we have e-waste?

more electronic devices

faster turn around in technology, more updates, planned obsolescence

impacts of e-waste

• lots of toxic chemicals, heavy metals

• can impact people and the environment

• devices take up space in landfills

• device manufacturing uses up limited resources

• data theft

Guiyu, China

where lots of e-waste used to go

poisoned air, land, water, and despite laws lots of e-waste still goes to the global south

e-waste on a national level

25 states and DC have laws

mostly EPRs

NJ’s e-waste law

requires manufacturers that sell TVs, computers, monitors, desktop printers & desktop fax machines (covered electronic devices) to consumers in NJ to set up a free, convenient, and environmentally sound recycling program for consumers to dispose of these devices

disposal ban

covered consumers under NJs e-waste law

a person, state agency, school district, local government agency, state college, state university and community college

small business based in NJ with fewer than 50 full time employees

e-waste management internationally

used to go to Guiyu, China

National Sword & National Shield Policy in 2018: banned the importation of certain types of solid waste, as well as set strict contamination limits on recyclable materials.

shifted a lot of waste to SE Asia, Africa & Latin America

Basel Convention Ban Amendment

bans countries from giving waste to each other

almost all countries are Basel Convention members except for USA, and other varying countries

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

member countries cannot send hazardous waste to non-OECD member countries

non-OECD member countries cannot accept hazardous waste frmo USA due to the Basel Ban amendment

physical e-waste management

authorized recyclers split up devices into parts and components

metals can usually be recycled but might be hard to isolate

some but not all plastics can be recycled

glass can be recycled

R2

approved certifications schemes for e-waste disposition in USA

administered by SERI (sustainable electronics recycling international)

allows overseas export to developing nations within guidelines

more customized

eStewards

approved certifications scheme for e-waste disposition in USA

created by Basel Action Network

set guidelines for worker safety and health

does NOT allow overseas export

what is and can be done?

EPRs

Right to Repair laws

move away from planned obsolescence

design products for repair, design for lifecycle

zero waste design

ex/ EU universal charger mandate (all USB-c)