Public Policies For Solving The E-Waste Problem

Publication Date: May 2007

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Keywords: E-Waste; Recycling; Basel

Type: Report

Abstract:

The information age has ushered in a new challenge of what to do with electronic waste or “e-waste”. The amount of electronic waste generated by developed countries each year is significant and continues to increase. Electronic waste ends up in storage, in landfills, or may be shipped overseas. E-waste has been found to contain a variety of hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, barium, and bromine. Of particular concern for environmental policy is what may be happening to tons of electronic waste shipped overseas each year to countries that offer very little protection to people and the environment. This paper describes the nature and extent of the e-waste problem. The paper also compares current public policy approaches in the European Union and the United States in regards to the collection, treatment, recycling, reuse, and financing of e-waste programs. Finally,
recommendations are made which strengthen U.S. regulation of e-waste and that minimize negative impacts to people in developing countries and adverse impacts on the environment.