1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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