Exporting a problem: is the U.S. exporting an environmental problem when it ships electronics scrap overseas? - Electronics Recycling

Recycling Today, Feb, 2002 by Susan Bush

RECYCLING

If an item cannot be reused, then of course the last alternative to disposal is recycling. Most recyclers in the U.S. test for working components before they completely dismantle the items. What can be used is sold to re-manufacturers, and what cannot be reused is processed -- usually shredded or potentially dismantled by hand, to retrieve base metals (such as steel, aluminum and copper) and precious metals such as gold, silver and palladium.

Some recyclers ship components overseas for dismantling by hand, as labor is much less expensive in China, and hand dismantling results in less waste than shredding. Some large companies, however, have multi-million dollar shredders and can process the materials domestically. Canada also is a large export market for circuit boards, as many smelters are located there.

One Midwestern recycler says that he does not depend upon foreign markets for the dismantling and recycling of electronics. His employees dismantle by hand, although the circuit boards might be sent to smelters who have shredders, because the company charges a per-pound fee to recycle electronics, the dismantling is a financially viable business. When it comes to reuse, because of technological advances, the bar keeps being raised, and, although he still sees a strong demand for Pentium 133s, anything less is likely being purchased by dealers who send the computers to third-world nations. Many municipalities implementing electronics reuse and recycling programs refuse to hire recyclers who ship electronics or electronics parts overseas. They are concerned that environmental regulations are less stringent than they are in the U.S., and that hazardous materials in the electronics will be landfilled or incinerated. When buried, these materials can leach into the soil, infiltrating water systems. When burned, they are released into the air as toxins.

The main issue, according to Roman, is the export of scrap to poor countries. China may be tightening its rules on importing electronics scrap, but other poor countries will be willing to accept these materials. Pakistan, for example, is an increasing market for electronic scrap. Ironically, many municipalities and non-profits are pressured to accept low bids for recycling programs, which may not always result in the most responsible disposition of materials.

What if they are reused for a few years -- what is the fate of the item beyond that "second life?" Do we have to temper the positive feelings from donating computers with worry that the computer will some day be improperly disposed? Are we responsible for the entire life of the product, from store to grave, or just for the useful life that we use? The EPA's position is that, if at any point in the processing of these materials hazardous waste is generated, then the processor is responsible for the safe disposition of these elements.

Under RCRA, businesses and institutions that do not have their CRTs reused or recycled at the end of their useful life, but instead send them to a landfill or incinerator, are required to handle the material as a hazardous waste.