Electronics
It is well recognized that over the past few decades, high tech manufacturers have produced millions of electronic products that have provided greater efficiency, convenience, and productivity to human endeavors. Unfortunately, what is less known is that manufacturer use and disposal of electronic products has a broad range of adverse environmental and health impacts.
Corporate practice and public policy have failed to respond to this mounting public health crisis. At present the cost of managing discarded computers and electronics falls on taxpayers and local governments. In the worst case, electronic waste is being exported to China for uncontrolled and hazardous waste recycling.
Internationally, this dynamic is rapidly changing, since the EU passed a law mandating that electronic producers take back their products at the end-of-life, phase out highly toxic materials, and increase recyclability levels. See Extended Producer Responsibility section for more information.
Clean Production Action is a part of the Electronics Take Back Campaign in the U.S. (www.electronicstakeback.com), which is working to protect electronics users, workers, and communities by promoting change within the IT and TV industry sector. Specifically, CPA is helping:
- establish extended producer responsibility (EPR) for e-waste and promote the design of cleaner electronic products;
- produce procurement guidelines for institutional and individual buyers;
- monitor and track EPR developments in Europe and Asia; and
- analyze the development of cleaner electronic products.
To obtain model policies and procurement guidelines, please visit (www.electronicstakeback.com).
To explore how Producer Responsibility for Product Take-back Can Promote Eco-Design download our factsheet here.
Brominated Flame Retardants in Dust on Computers: The Case for Safer Chemicals and Better Computer Design. This report urges the high tech industry to move faster to find safer materials. Download (pdf)
