[GreenYes] New Electronics Recycling Report

["Michele Raymond" <michele@raymond.com>]

Can you spread this around??
Thanks!!


Japanese May Outspend U.S. firms on Environmental Issues

College Park MD June 18, 2002–While American electronics firms have
been working on recycling and environmental improvements longer, Japanese
firms now lead the world in environmental investments, according to a new
report published this week by Raymond Communications, Inc.

        

According
to “Electronics Recycling: What to Expect from Global Mandates,” the
giant Matsushita Electric invested $497 million on environmental
compliance, recycling, “zero waste,” and eco-design projects in 2000.
Sony Corp. spent about $154 million, but does not include eco-design in
the figures.  In Comparison, IBM Corp. spent $109 million on
compliance only. (No other American firm disclosed its 
investments.)

        

The new
197-page report covers U.S. state and federal legislation, as well as
detailed coverage of 16 countries, including Canada, Europe, Asia and
Latin America.  Additionally, the report summarizes what 28 major
electronics firms are doing in recycling, waste reduction, “design for
environment,” and related issues.

  

        

U.S.
government and industry representatives are currently trying to work out
a national “voluntary” stewardship plan for TVs, computers and
peripherals – which will eventually entail national legislation. 
There are now 28 electronics recycling bills in 10 states – with bills
moving in California, New York and Massachusetts.

        

Meanwhile,
the European Union is poised to enact two new waste electronics
directives that could cost industry about $10 billion per year, according
to industry estimates. The directives will require industry-financed
collection systems for any product with a cord or battery.

        

In
addition, a second directive will restrict heavy metals such as mercury,
lead, cadmium and chromium in electronics, with some exemptions. While
CRTs will be exempt, industry will be forced to phase out lead solder,
now used in making circuit boards.

        

While
eleven countries already have electronics “takeback” laws on the books,
the Raymond report predicts that within five years, 28 countries will
have such laws.

     

        

The
report’s country summaries include collection fees and recycling rates in
the more advanced European countries.  The report includes results
of a 50-state survey of electronics recycling policy, including opinions
of state recycling managers.

        

The
extended appendix includes English texts of electronics recycling laws
and documents from 10 countries, including Japan and Taiwan.

        

Raymond
Communications publishes the newsletters State Recycling Laws Update and
Recycling Laws International.  For information call 301-345-4237 or
check
http://www.raymond.com

Michele Raymond
Publisher
Recycling Laws International/ State Recycling Laws Update
5111 Berwyn Rd. Ste 115 College Park, MD 20740)
301/345-4237   Fax 345-4768
http://www.raymond.com