Sims Recycling Solutions Joins CAER

The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) has announced that Sims Recycling Solutions (SRS), with North American headquarters in Chicago, has joined an industry effort to support federal legislation designed to restrict the export of electronic scrap from the United States. CAER says such action will "create jobs through the expansion of the domestic recycling industry." In the House of Representatives, 13 co-sponsors have announced support for the bill.

With the addition of SRS, CAER’s membership includes 34 U.S. companies with 89 facilities involved in electronics recycling. Combined, the companies have operations in 32 states as well as in the District of Columbia. Also supporting the legislation are Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Apple, Samsung, Best Buy and LG, according to CAER.

“The addition of these industry leaders reflects growing consensus that the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act is good for business and will create much-needed jobs and enhance sustainability,” says John Shegerian, co-founder and president, Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), Fresno, Calif. “Our members are committed to growing an American industry with the capacity to manage e-waste generated within our borders and the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs in every part of the country.”

Introduced in June, the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act (HR 2284/SB1270) would restrict obsolete electronics exports to developing countries that CAER says "lack adequate safeguards for the environment and workers." Additional co-sponsors have joined the bill in recent weeks, says CAER. Joining Rep. Gene Green, the lead House sponsor of the bill, are 13 co-sponsors: Mike Thompson, Lee Terry, Steve LaTourette, Anna Eshoo, Blake Farenthold, Charlie Gonzalez, Mazie Hirono, Dennis Ross, Zoe Lofgren, Grace Napolitano, Jeff Denham, Jim Costa and Gus Bilirakis. In the Senate, similar legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown, Sheldon Whitehouse and Lisa Murkowski.

According to CAER, by joining CAER, companies such as SRS, ERI and Hugo Neu are "taking a stand in support of export restrictions on unprocessed electronic products that will create jobs and protect the environment." CAER's news release says these companies are deviating from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) position on the issue, since the group does not favor a comprehensive trading ban.

“Unrestricted and unfair trade in electronic scrap with developing countries has thwarted the job growth that can come with a robust domestic recycling infrastructure,” says CAER steering committee member David Zimet, president of Hesstech. “The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act will enable American recyclers to make new investments in facilities and staff and personnel necessary to legitimize and grow an American industry and position America as a leader in global markets.”

CAER is continuing to work with the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which have jurisdiction over the bills, as well as other Congressional offices that could "benefit from the possible job creation this legislation could lead to," accoridng to CAER. More information about HR 2284/SB1270, can be found at the CAER website, which includes links to the full text of each bill.

To see a list of CAER members, click here.