Electronic Waste
Electronic waste is a name given to any piece of electronic equipment that is at the end of its useful life. Some of these products can be resold, refurbished, or dismantled to rescue resalable goods. Others, however, serve no “useful” purpose and are discarded. In 2008, there was 4.6 billion pounds of e-waste in the United States. However, less than 900 million pounds (19%) of that waste was recycled. Most of it ended up in landfills in the United States or was shipped to other countries such as China, India, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Learn more about What is E-Waste Here
Government Regulations
On September 17th, 2008, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown introduced legislation that would call for a ban on the export of toxic electronic waste to developing nations. Similar legislation was introduced in the House by Texas Congressman Gene Green (D-Houston). “Instead of reacting to a crisis, our nation should prevent it,” Brown said. “We need to ensure that toxic e-waste is not being exported. Current e-waste policy amounts to a revolving door of toxic trade. In addition to banning this practice, Congress should examine domestic recycling possibilities. Recycling our own e-waste can create U.S. jobs and prevent contamination at home and abroad.” According to the Commerce Department, as much as 80% of e-waste collected for recycling is sent overseas. Exportation
The exportation of e-waste has recently attracted a significant amount of attention from the media and governments all around the world because of the damage caused to people and the environment. Many countries are beginning to outlaw the import of e-waste, which creates a need for much more domestic recycling.
E-Waste Today
As a result of new state and federal regulations and additional public awareness, the need for plants capable of processing electronic waste has increased tremendously. Currently, the supply of electronic waste greatly exceeds the total processing power of recyclers within the United States and this divide is growing ever faster as regulations further restrict the export of these materials and as new techniques and technologies, such as those utilized by All Green, make the process more sustainable.
Our Environmental Pledge
We are the world’s most responsible recycler of electronics!
In 2008, 4.6 billion pounds of e-waste was generated in the United States. However, less than 900 million pounds (19%) of that waste was properly recycled.
As we become increasingly dependent on electronics to make life more convenient, the stockpiles of used and discarded products grow. Computer monitors and older TV picture tubes contain an average of four pounds of lead and require special handling at the end of their intended use. In addition to lead, electronics can contain hazardous levels of chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc, and flame retardants.
Most improperly recycled e-waste ends up in landfills in the United States or is shipped to other countries such as China, India, Malaysia, and Pakistan by unscrupulous traders looking to turn a quick profit.
We Go Above and Beyond EPA Regulations
All Green Electronics Recycling goes above and beyond all EPA regulations and guidelines for handling e-waste and other hazardous materials. All Green has raised the bar for the recycling industry by employing its own “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” policies and practices.
All Green’s unparalleled commitment to being a responsible recycler means that we never ship unprocessed material outside of North America and we do not put electronics into landfills. Our nationwide service facilities and partner facilities make it easy for our customers to help protect the environment.
Our sophisticated electronic waste recycling system provides a detailed method of tracking all processed components. This “chain of custody” gives us a thorough analysis of where the processed components are repurposed, recycled, or disposed of. Most importantly, All Green never sends e-waste to developing nations for dumping!
All Green E-Waste Solutions
All Green Electronics Recycling is proud to be offering a number of safe and secure e-waste solutions nationwide: