Programs to decrease e-waste Minimize toxic materials in electronics (DFE, eco-design) Minimize release of toxics at end of life (recycling, reusing, avoid landfills and incineration) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs: Producer is responsible until the post-consumer stage, including its disposal Includes costs of treatment and disposal in the product’s price Can be voluntary or mandatory Examples are take back programs

International programs Basel convention Regulates movement of hazardous waste between countries Solving the e-Waste Problem (StEP) initiative UN led program Platform to exchange and develop knowledge on WEEE systems

European Union programs Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Sets a limit on amount of hazardous substances in new EEE Energy using Products (EuP) directive Sets eco-design requirement for new products WEEE directive Manufacturers must take back their products for proper disposal Aims to prevent generation of WEEE by promoting reuse and recycling

United States Programs Electronics’ life cycle is a linear progression No federal regulation Some states have independently implemented WEEE programs Some companies (Sharp, Toshiba, Panasonic) have launched their own nationwide recycling program

Canadian Programs Electronic Product Stewardship (EPS) Canada Collaboration between industry and government to find a solution Founded by 16 leading electronics manufacturers Since 2004,  electronics recycling programs across Canada have diverted over 172,000  tonnes of end-of-life electronics from landfill Recycle my cell No restrictions on hazardous substances in EEE

Albertan programs Alberta Waste Electronic Incentive Program (2004) Encourage waste minimization and recycling Provides a framework for voluntary collection, transportation and recycling of electronics Doesn’t require take back, recycling or ban landfilling Relies on public education/availability of disposal sites

Asia, Africa and Latin America 80% of global WEEE are exported to Asia Increase in use of EEE Informal waste management sector is dominant WEEE scavenging, recycling, dismantling are huge sources of employment Lack of legislation Lack of logistical infrastructure

What can we learn from these programs? The new EU directive requires member states that generate more waste to get rid of more waste How to encourage producers to minimize waste? Assign financial responsibility for WEEE Legislation Consumer demand Bureaucracy governs legislation Effects of laws may be seen years/decades from now Harmonization on national/international levels is needed Programs should be adjusted depending on the region/country of implementation