NRC Calls for Increase in Electronics Recycling

The National Recycling Coalition announced its support of state efforts to maximize recycling and reuse of used electronics.

As a result of this position, the NRC has come to a disagreement with advice provided by the Solid Waste Management Association of North America and the National Solid Wastes Management Association. Both of these organizations state that electronics can be safely disposed of in community solid waste landfills. In its report on disaster debris management after Hurricane Katrina, SWANA offers recommendations that, if followed, NRC believes will compound the already significant environmental disaster in the Gulf.

In its statement, SWANA wrote the following: “Computers, TV’s, monitors, and other electronic devices pose no real hazard to landfills. Most e-waste can be easily handled within conventional waste collection and disposal methods.” This advice fails to convey that numerous states have singled out electronic products as a direct threat to the environment when disposed, and as a result, have enacted strict laws and regulations banning their disposal and landfilling.

In its opposition, the NRC notes that the state of Maine Office of Environmental Protection has stated that electronic wastes, such as televisions, computers and computer components, contain a number of toxic materials that can be released upon disposal, posing a threat to human health and the environment.

As further support for its position, the NRC added that the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance calculated that CRTs from computer monitors and televisions are the single largest source of lead in Minnesota's municipal waste, containing 5-8 pounds of lead per unit.

Research by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Hazardous Materials Laboratory found that laptops and LCD monitors exceed California’s hazardous waste thresholds.

“Electronic products contain hazardous materials, including lead and mercury. Given that several states banned the disposal of CRTs and other electronics products, NRC believes it is irresponsible to negate the risk posed by disposing of electronic scrap,” says Kate Krebs, NRC executive director.

NRC supports recycling and reusing as many of the electronic products damaged by the recent hurricanes as possible. If products can’t be safely recycled or reused, NRC believes disposal in a state-permitted hazardous waste disposal facility is the only responsible option. “Recycling electronic products captures valuable materials, fuels economic activity, and diverts hazardous materials from disposal,” says Krebs.