Managing Electronic Waste and E-Waste Exports as Reported by CRS
The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (R40850) entitled: " Managing Electronic Waste: Issues with Exporting E-Waste.”
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(Electronic waste (e-waste) is a term that is used loosely to refer to obsolete, broken, or irreparable electronic devices like televisions, computer central processing units (CPUs), computer monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, and associated wiring.)
Little Is Known About E-Waste Management, Especially After Export
CRS states that e-waste has become a concern in the U.S. due to the high volumes in which it is generated, the hazardous constituents it often contains, and the lack of regulations applicable to its disposal or recycling. Little is known about how e-waste is ultimately managed, especially after export.
Exporting to Countries with Lax Laws Has Led to Health & Environmental Issues
However, the consequences of export to developing countries that manage it improperly are becoming increasingly evident. In particular, various reports and studies have found primitive waste management practices in India and various countries in Africa and Asia. Operations in Guiyu in the Shantou region of China have gained particular attention.
Observed recycling operations involve burning the plastic coverings of materials to extract metals for scrap, openly burning circuit boards to remove solder or soaking them in acid baths to strip them for gold or other metals. Acid baths are then dumped into surface water. Among other impacts to those areas have been elevated blood lead levels in children and soil and water contaminated with heavy metals.
Some Members of Congress Concerned with Impact of Exporting E-Waste
CRS states that the impacts associated with e-waste exports have led to concerns from environmental organizations, members of the public, and some Members of Congress.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/17/10 news, 10111718, for BP summary of a recent Presidential declaration highlighting the need for greater attention to e-waste and the forming of an interagency taskforce on the issue.)