Discarded computers and other electronics, also known as e-waste, is the fastest growing portion of our waste stream. The National Safety Council estimates that there are 300 to 500 million obsolete computers in the United States ready for disposal.  Hundreds of millions of televisions have also become obsolete.  

Rhode Islanders, alone, 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.

Rapid advances in technology mean that electronic products are becoming obsolete more quickly. This, coupled with explosive sales in consumer electronics, means that more products are being disposed of and finding their way into landfills and incinerators. To make matters worse, the FCC mandated transition to digital television (like HDTV) in February 2009 will only speed up the pace, as consumers will soon be dumping large numbers of old TVs that can't receive the new digital-only signals.

The typical computer monitor or TV each 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.

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 are contaminating local villages, waterways, and damaging the health of villagers.  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.

A consumer disposal ban became effective in 2008, keeping computers and TVs out of our municipal waste stream.  Rhode Island must now address the e-waste crisis to protect public health, the environment, and taxpayers by promoting clean design and environmentally superior management of discarded products.

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.  Requiring manufacturers to recycle their products will encourage them to use less toxic materials and make their products easier to recycle.

The responsible recycling of electronics keeps toxins out of our waste stream and creates jobs and economic development in the US. 

For more information please contact Clean Water Fund in Providence at 401-331-6972.