Electronic Waste Recycling

This team examined the rising problem of eWaste, which include discarded TVs, computers, and CPUs. They began by addressing why eWaste is a problem, looking at how the toxic components that make up these electronic parts endanger soil underground water supply. EWaste in landfills presents a problem as there is only a plastic liner protecting the ground underneath, which isn't always secure. The group examined the Electronic Waste Recycling Promotion and Consumer Protection Act, which aims to promote e-recycling by creating incentives to recycle by giving tax credits. The group examined some of the current issues within this Act, as there is nothing in the legislation that mandates recycling center creation and reuse incentives are noticeably absent. The group also noted that national legislation is needed since it is difficult for manufacturers to comply to different state laws, and the majority of eWaste is created by households and smaller quantity generators who are not currently regulated. The group concluded by analyzing how the success of the legislation could be measured and why the need for legislation is so important.

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