UK Agency Warns E-Scrap Exporters

Prohibition of waste shipments to non-OECD countries is reason.

The British Environment Agency has warned companies involved in the export of electronic waste to countries like Pakistan, India and China that they must know what the rules are, comply with them, or risk prosecution by the Environment Agency.

 

The warning comes as the Environment Agency announces it is stepping up activity to identify illegal exports as a new report identifies some 23,000 metric tons of waste may be being shipped to non-OECD countries in the Far East, the Indian sub-continent, West Africa and China without the right authorization from the Environment Agency.

 

The report was compiled on behalf of the Environment Agency by the Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling and is being used to help target investigative and enforcement work by Environment Agency officers.

 

Under the current rules, no waste, including electrical or electronic waste, can be sent abroad for disposal. 

 

Waste electronic equipment containing hazardous material and is destined for minor repair may be exported but must first be authorized by the Environment Agency. It is illegal to send any hazardous waste, including hazardous electrical or electronic waste, to a non-OECD or developing country for disposal or recovery. 

 

Liz Parkes, the Environment Agency’s Head of Waste Regulation, said: "There is a legitimate overseas market, in Europe and beyond, for used equipment such as computers and fridges. For example, there is very large demand for second hand products in China which following minor repair can be re-used. There are strict rules, however, setting out how waste electrical equipment may be exported and where it can legally be sent.

 

"This report shows companies in England and Wales are not always following the rules or are unaware of the rules. We will tackle any illegal export activity we find and are doing so on two fronts. We have set up a special enforcement project to look at the problem in England and Wales and internationally we are working with eleven other European Member States on a project that will see inspection and enforcement stepped up at 25 ports around Europe."

 

The Environment Agency is cracking down on illegal waste exports by:

 

"Setting up a dedicated special enforcement team that will step up the number of random inspections carried out at ports across England and Wales and prosecute offenders where there is evidence of illegal activity

 

"Playing a lead role in a major European projects including 'Seaports2' involving clampdowns at 25 ports across 12 European countries

 

"Working closely with both HM Customs and Excise in the UK and through the European network of regulators - IMPEL to share information and intelligence on illegal trade in waste across the whole of Europe.