Tidal Wave of Waste

Discarded computers and other electronics (e-waste) are the fastest growing portion of our waste stream. The National Safety Council estimates that there are 300 to 500 million obsolete computers in the U.S. ready for disposal. Hundreds of millions of televisions have also become obsolete. Rhode Islanders create 7,500 tons of electronic waste each year. On average, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation's program recycles only 76 tons of that waste each year. That is less than 2% of Rhode Island's e-waste. Clean Water Action led the successful Rhode Island campaign to pass the Electronic Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling Act. Our new law will not only keep computers and televisions out of the landfill, but it will require manufacturers to pay for collecting and recycling their old products. Stay tuned at the end of 2008 as the state and manufacturers get ready for the law to go into effect in January 2009.

The Problems with Toxic Trash

Toxic Trail of TVs and Computers

The typical computer monitor or TV contains four to five pounds of lead. They also contain mercury, cadmium, and other toxics, which can damage kidneys, nervous and reproductive systems, and cause developmental problems. Nationally, only 10% of e-waste is currently recycled. The other 90% of computers and TVs are often thrown in the trash. With the conversion to digital television approaching early next year, the waste managers are expecting an increase of older televisions coming into the waste stream.

Exporting Harm

Right now 80% of US electronic waste is sent to Asia or Africa to be dismantled cheaply in hazardous situations. Computer waste dumped in China is
contaminating local villages, waterways, and damaging the health of villagers.

High Tech Chain Gangs

Electronic recycling operations are increasingly active within America's prison systems. Inmate laborers are not automatically afforded the same degree of
worker health and safety protections as employees in regulated workplaces, nor are they paid comparable wages.

The Electronics Take Back Campaign

Our campaign offers three simple solutions to the problems with electronic waste.

Take It Back
Right now individual states and taxpayers are stuck with the bill for manufacturer's toxic leftovers. Placing the recycling responsibility on the producer
puts the cost of recycling back at the source.

Make It Clean
Requiring manufacturers to recycle their products encourages them to use less toxic materials and make their products easier to recycle.

Recycle Responsibly
The responsible recycling of electronics keeps toxins out of our waste stream and creates jobs and economic development in the United States.

Action Steps

1. Check out www.TakeBackMyTV.com to watch a short video about what happens when electronic waste is exported to poor countries that don’t have laws to protect workers or the environment. Then click through to write a letter to the editor to encourage sound recycling practices.
2. Recycle your e-waste responsibly. Find a responsible recycler to handle your old electronic equipment. Click here ComputerTakeBack.com to find a responsible recycler near you.

To get more involved, contact Clean Water Action in Providence at (401) 331-6972. Learn more about this issue.