EPP Issues & Resources

Electronics

Due to higher sales and shorter life spans of IT equipment, electronic waste has become one of the world’s fastest growing waste streams. In the United States, it is predicted that between 315 million and 680 million computers will become obsolete within the next few years. Adding to the problem of the sheer volume of electronics being disposed of is the issue of hazardous materials that are contained in the average electronic product, such as:

• Chlorinated plastics in cable wiring;
• Brominated flame retardants in circuit boards;
• Heavy metals like lead and cadmium in Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors; and
• Mercury in Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or flat panel monitors.

Many electronic devices other than computers, such as imaging machines, bedside electronics, pumps, bar code machines, and other instruments used in a medical setting contain the same toxic chemicals as computers contain. While many organizations have put much effort into procuring environmentally preferable computers, most are not addressing these same issues in other electronic equipment.

It is estimated that 70% of the heavy metals found in landfills (including mercury and cadmium) come from discarded electronic products. When electronic products are improperly disposed of in landfills and incinerators, they can release heavy metals and other hazardous substances that contaminate groundwater and pollute the air. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) currently bear little of the financial burden or responsibility for safely managing discarded electronic equipment at the end of life.

Consorta is working with manufacturers on take-back requirements and encouraging manufacturers to design less toxic, alternative products. As this dialogue evolves, Consorta has contracted with certain companies that specialize in environmentally preferable end-of-life management of electronic products.
Resources: