Bill to Limit Export of E-Waste Leads to Debate over Exemptions

Date: October 4, 2010

Source: News Room

A recently introduced bill requiring EPA to enforce an export ban on electronic waste (e-waste), introduced on Sep. 29 by Reps. Michael Thompson (D-CA) and Gene Green (D-TX), is leading to a debate over exemptions, with recyclers seeking waivers to allow exports of commodity grade material while environmentalists seek to close any potential loopholes. The long-awaited bill H.R. 6252 seeks to end the practice of shipping used electronics overseas, which has been linked with environmental and health problems in developing countries due to unsafe recycling practices. It would amend the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to prevent the "export of any restricted electronic waste" to countries outside of the European Union, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Rep. Green said he is confident of the bill's passage given bipartisan support and that of some recyclers, electronics manufacturers, including Dell, Apple and Samsung, and environmentalists, including Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Electronics TakeBack Coalition (ETBC).

However, industry officials are concerned the bill unfairly targets recyclers who export e-waste, rather than looking broadly at all hazardous waste exports. The would like it to allow for the export of commodity grade material, defined as materials that could be reused in new electronics, particularly to prevent free trade disruptions. While environmentalists are supporting the bill, they plan to closely scrutinize how the agency writes rules that allow for the export of so-called "functional" products.

Twenty-three states have already passed laws banning e-waste exports, although with little effect since only the federal government can enact rules that relate to international trade.

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