The Tipping Point: Shifting to Truly Responsible Recycling

Prior to 2008, unethical electronics recyclers were free to work in the shadows, loading toxic e-waste on ships bound for developing countries to profit from cheap labor and unregulated working conditions that poisoned the ecosystem. While organizations such as the Basel Action Network, the Electronics Takeback Coalition, the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition—and Redemtech—worked to draw attention to the problem of e-waste exports, there was only limited awareness of the issue.

However, the tide began to turn in early 2008 with National Geographic’s publication of “High-Tech Trash,” an in-depth exposé about e-waste dumps in Africa. The photo-essay brought to a mass audience the images of men, women and children working in vast, smoldering—and toxic—e-waste dumps.

In Fall 2008, the momentum for change reached a tipping point with several epic events:

• A September Government Accountability Office (GAO) report exposed lax enforcement by the U.S. EPA of laws prohibiting export of CRT monitors – and generated a firestorm of media coverage.
• An October report in BusinessWeek, “E-Waste: The Dirty Secret of Recycling Electronics,” spotlighted the unethical business practices common among e-scrap recyclers.
• A November report on 60 Minutes brought graphic images of the e-waste dumps in Guiya, China. The story also exposed how e-waste recycling companies promise to do the right thing – then secretly ship e-waste to developing countries.
• Two days later, BAN announced its new e-Stewards Initiative – the first independently audited and accredited electronic waste recycler certification program forbidding the dumping of toxic e-waste in developing countries, local landfills and incinerators.

Today, the drive to ensure truly responsible recycling continues as the e-Stewards program takes root, providing an auditable standard for recyclers and a convenient way for businesses to ensure they are in compliance with regulatory and policy requirements—while not contributing to the global e-waste epidemic.

E-waste Exports: Exposed

The following media coverage and reports have drawn attention to the global e-waste issue and propelled the electronics recycling to its tipping point.

Looking for more information?
			New program makes sure e-waste is recycled right
			More companies and recyclers are taking steps to ensure that old electronic devices such as TVs and computers aren't dumped in poor countries through the e-Stewards program. USA Today
			A Program to Certify Electronic Waste Recycling
			BAN begins a new certification and auditing program that bars participating recyclers from exporting toxic, nonfunctional electronic waste to developing nations. The New York Times
			E-Waste Recycling Standards: A Side-by-Side Comparison of e-Stewards and R2
			There are now two voluntary electronic recycler certification programs: e-Stewards and R2. How do they compare? When you look at how the two standards address e-waste’s worst problems, it is clear that e-Stewards sets a much higher bar for an industry plagued by “fake recyclers” and exporting.
			Recycle your computer electronics responsibly
			Who wants to do business with a company that allows toxic waste to leech into the soil, pollute water supplies and cause birth defects? Learn how to select a responsible recycler. Network World
			What Is -- and What Isn't -- Responsible Electronics Recycling
			Companies want to do the right thing with their discarded electronics, but disparate standards raise doubt whether recyclers are working in line with your principles. GreenerComputing
			E-waste and Environmental Regulations Database
			Mounting pressures regarding the environmentally and socially responsible management of e-waste are triggering more stringent laws around the globe. Redemtech’s E-waste and Environmental Regulations Database delivers information about regulations, directives, national decrees, statutes, ordinances and pending e-waste and environmental legislation.
			Not in My Backyard: Stopping Illegal Export of Junked Televisions and Computers
			The EPA's R2 standard does nothing to prevent e-waste export, keep it out of landfills nor ensure proper disposal. A new standard would certify that toxic-laden electronics are recycled responsibly, but needs government backup.
			'Recyclers' Illegally Exporting Electronic Waste
			Disposing of electronic waste in an environmentally friendly way is proving complicated and open to abuse. Although Canada is a signatory to the Basel Convention enforcement is lax and loopholes in existing laws mean they are not very effective.
			Brownie points for green IT will go away … and then?
			As your companies brag about reducing their carbon footprint with energy-efficient data centers and telepresence, it is at least worth keeping in mind that your heavy-metal footprint could have as bad or even worse consequences, like turning a child’s brain green.
			ENVIRONMENT: Where That ”Recycled” E-Waste Really Goes
			What’s a responsible person to do with their e-waste in the face of government negligence, manufacturers’ irresponsibility and recyclers’ greed? Basel Action Network e-Stewards program independently audits and certifies responsible recyclers.
			IT's social mission: Beyond power plays and trash talk
			A growing number of IT executives are discovering that a socially responsible IT department can be good for both their business and the world. IT activities that are respectful of important social issues, including the environment and human rights, typically turn out to be smart business practices.
			Coming soon, but not really soon enough
			Basel Action Network (BAN), which is a watchdog on the problem of toxic waste around the globe, creates bonafide certification program to weed out shady electronics recyclers and prevent the export of used electronics to developing nations.
			Could your computer become a toxic threat?
			Environmental activists Basel Action Network (BAN) announced that they are setting up a system to independently verify old computers and other electronic waste really are safely recycled rather than ending up a toxic trash in the Third World.
			60 Minutes Hits the Toxic Jackpot
			The segment on the toxic e-waste trade between the U.S. and China is classic 60 Minutes, featuring human suffering, an apparently unscrupulous businessman and the Chinese underworld. For insiders, this is old news as a majority of recyclers increase profits by exporting e-waste to developing countries.
			E-Waste: The Dirty Secret of Recycling Electronics
			Lax rules and weak enforcement allow scrap companies to profit by sending junked computers, printers, and TVs overseas, enmeshing the e-waste industry in questionable practices that undercut its environmentally friendly image.
			E-waste: A blight on the environment and a company's good name
			Large companies are becoming sensitive to the damage done by dispatching toxic waste to countries with no health or environmental protections. The Pepsi Bottling Group, a recent Redemtech customer win, is an example. CIOs including PBG's Neal Bronzo are taking steps to keep their companies' hands clean.