Compliance with Electronics Takeback Laws Costly, Raymond Report Says

"Electronics makers are struggling to phase out lead solder and other heavy metals on a wide range of products - from toaster ovens to mainframe computers—to meet a 2006 deadline, even though the European Commission will not settle all the definitions until 2004," Michele Raymond, editor and publisher of the updated 230-page report, says.  

"Compliance will require some costly coordination throughout the supply chain, yet our research indicates, for example, that Dutch authorities have little clue as to how they might enforce both of these directives at the Port of Rotterdam," she adds.  

The report includes a survey of environmental reports of 29 major electronics makers. It finds that nine major Japanese electronics firms spent more than $1.5 billion on environmental design and compliance for the 2001-2002 period, with the giant Matsushita spending the most at $413 million.  

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency has halted financial support for the National Electronic Product Stewardship Initiative, though the process will continue with private funds. The group is attempting to work out a national takeback plan for a more limited number of electronic items in the U.S.  

But implementation will be a challenge, Raymond says. "Even if industry agreed to fund all collection costs, how can they divvy the money up among 12,000 local governments?" she asks.  

The updated report covers U.S. state and federal legislation, as well as providing detailed coverage of 16 countries, including Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America.  

The report's country summaries include collection fees and recycling rates where available. It also includes results of a 50-state survey of electronics recycling policy, including opinions of state recycling managers.