Mitigation Techniques
There is growing concern surrounding the production of electronic waste and its management, due to the threat it poses to human and environmental health. Though the production of electronics has increased in recent decades, many countries around the world have enacted regulations in order to work towards more standardized practices and proper e-waste management. These regulations predominantly focus on the exportation of e-waste as well as its improper disposal. Several countries have also enacted creative solutions to use various facets of e-waste to their advantage, reducing adverse effects to humans and the environment.
United States of America
The United States has no current federal laws enacted to manage e-waste. In 1989, United Nations presented a treaty called the “Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal," where 186 countries signed. However, the United States never ratified this treaty, and has not implemented any other federal laws to mitigate improper disposal or exportation of e-waste. Several states have enacted e-waste regulations, placing restrictions on landfill disposal. Other states have implemented producer-take-back programs; however, this has led to an increase in the exportation of e-waste to surrounding countries. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronics Challenge initiative to partner with producers to collect used electronics and recycle them through certified recyclers. There is a severe lack of unified regulations in the United States, resulting in environmental pollution and adverse health effects.
European Union & UK
1993
"Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR)" to place restrictions on the exportation of e-waste to certain countries
2003
"E-waste Packaging Directive" to minimize packaging requirements, restrict the use of toxic substances, and ensures all UK producers reduce packaging usage.
2012
"WEEE Directive" to regulate the recovery and recycling of e-waste in EU nations
2002
"Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive" to to reduce the use of certain hazardous substances in electronics by altering product designs
2006
"The Battery Directive" to manage the production, trade, and disposal of batteries
1986
"Environmental Protection Act" to reduce and prevent environmental degradation
India
2008
"The Hazardous Wastes Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement Rules" to require all individuals involved in the handling of e-waste to communicate with the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) as well as bans the importation of hazardous e-waste for the purpose of disposal
2000
"The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules" to reduce the import and export of e-waste that contains substances that deplete the ozone layer
2011
"The E-Waste Management and Handling Rules" to manage e-waste from its production to its disposal or recycle.
2000
Ban on the importation of second-hand e-waste
China
2007
"The Ordinance on Management of Prevention and Control of Pollution from Electronic and Information Products" to reduce the use of toxic substances in electronics produced.
2011
"Collection and Treatment Decree on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment" to state that e-waste should be collected by multiple means and recycled by licensed recycling enterprises
2006
"Technical Policy on Control of WEEE" to reduce e-waste, promote reuse, and regulate recycling
2008
"Administrative Rules on Prevention of pollution by WEEE" to mitigate pollution caused by the storage, transport, recycling, and disposal of e-waste
2012
"Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system" to require producers to manage their discarded products in an environmentally safe manner
Japan
2000
"Law for the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources (LPUR)" to implement a recycling-based economic program that promotes reuse, improved collection methods, and extent product life span
2013
"Small Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling Act" to manage small appliance waste
2001
"Law for the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances (LRHA)" to require home appliance producers to practice proper waste treatment and responsible resource use
Australia
2009
"National Waste Policy" to mitigate waste disposal, ensure environmental safe management of waste as it is treated, disposed, and reused, and to reduce fossil fuel emissions, water and land use.
2011
"Product Stewardship Act" to incentivize and enforce product stewardship to ensure environmental health and safety, specifically in terms of disposal
What are some creative ways e-waste is being repurposed?
Stock/ Grindelwald, Switzerland
Waste heat from electronic producers redirected to heat houses!
Stock/MyMemory
Recycling metals found in electronics, such as iPhones to reuse in production!
Getty/ Tea Guardian
Waste heat from electronic producers redirected to dry wood pellets, tea leaves, and fruit!