E-waste Exports ARE Dumping

Now that an ewaste export ban has been drafted in Congress, opponents are adding a new twist to an old argument to justify their toxic trade; they claim that THEIR ewaste exports only go to responsible recyclers in developing countries, and that such legal sales must be permitted AS A MATTER OF FREE TRADE.  This position is tantamount to asking for license to dump hazardous ewaste in jurisdictions where the locals have no recourse for the toxic exposure they suffer.

Electronics "recycling" does happen in places like China, Nigeria, Viet Nam, and India, but it is frequently rudimentary, generating hazardous emissions without adequate means to deal with them. Whatever materials are not easily recovered are dumped or burned, releasing a toxic scourge.  The damage done by western ewaste to worker health and the environment in such destinations has been well documented by the Basel Action Network and others.  The corporate market has responded by generally requiring that ewaste be recycled domestically, yet the average corporate procurement process often pressures prices so low that recyclers cannot do so profitably.  Consumers would likely choose a responsible recycler, but must trust the integrity of those who operate collection events and other takeback schemes.

Trust has proven NOT to be an effective strategy with the electronics recycling industry, as the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society discovered in June at their free collection event. Their recycler, EarthEcycle, is merely the latest poster child for an entire industry The financial incentives to export ewaste rather than process it responsibly are irresistable to most recyclers--after all, it's not against the law.

People are learning about the problem thanks to BAN, 60 Minutes and Frontline. But the growing outrage at the human and environmental damage caused by this toxic trade will not result in a solution until three conditions are met: 1) It must be illegal to export ewaste to a developing country; 2) There must be independent certification of responsible e-recyclers, which is why Redemtech supports the e-Steward certification program; and, 3) Users must recognize that there is a small cost to responsible end-of-life management of their electronics, and be willing to pay it.