Precious metal resources such as copper and gold are worth recycling, but are associated with pollutants such as lead, cadmium and brominated fire retardants. Despite the e-waste trade being controlled by the Basel Convention, it is the basis of a growing smuggling trade that encourages child labour and toxic pollution in countries such as China, India and Kenya. Illegal shipments of Australian waste are sometimes intercepted en route to Asian ports without hazardous materials permits. The South China city of Guiyu, believed to be the world’s most polluted town, is commonly their final destination.
A 2008 United Nations report recorded lethal levels of toxins such as mercury in Guiyu’s soil and water, as well as hazardous practices at salvage sites. Children are amongst the peasant labourers who disassemble electronic devices to extract precious metals, sometimes using acid baths to dissolve the plastic shells and recover minute amounts of gold and platinum from electronic circuits. Unwanted parts are often disposed of in an open fire, creating noxious fumes, and burned refuse ends up in drains and waterways.
StEP
Earlier this year, the United Nation’s Environment Program (UNEP) predicted that by 2020, electronic waste from old computers in India will rise by 500 per cent from 2007 levels, and waste from defunct mobile phones will be 18 times higher. An international initiative known as StEP (Solving the e-Waste Problem) is setting the standard in circumventing issues currently arising from e-waste such as landfill pollution worldwide, and health hazards in third world salvage sites
StEP has been in development by various UN organisations since 2004, and is co-ordinated by the UN University. It is creating strategies to solve the problem based on scientific assessments of e-waste’s social, environmental and economic issues. By researching the full lifecycle of equipment that creates e-waste, it provides optimal solutions through improving supply chains, closing material loops and reducing contamination. It also encourages safe eco- and energy-efficient re-use and recycling programs worldwide, whilst condemning activities such as illegal e-waste shipments and recycling practices that damage the environment and human health. Multinationals such as Dell, Ericsson, Nokia, Hewlett Packard and Cisco have joined StEP in a corporate move towards sustainability.
Sunil Herath is a senior lecturer in environmental engineering at Griffith University, and was approached by the UN in 2007 to create StEP’s Oceania hub. He says, “Griffith University recognises that while dealing with e-waste as a local and regional issue, it is a global problem that needs a global solution and StEP is by far the most effective global initiative developed to solve the E-waste problem.”
In July, Griffith University will host E-waste 2010, the first Asia Pacific conference and StEP workshop on e-waste.
New Legislation
Government, industry and individuals all have a role to play in addressing the challenge of e-waste management. Japan and the European Union put e-waste recycling laws in place nearly 10 years ago as well as legislation that requires manufacturers to use safer alternatives to toxins such as lead. In Australia, a national levy on electronic goods has been proposed to cover the costs of safe collection and recycling. Communications Minister Steven Conroy says an e-waste recycling scheme should be in place by 2011.
In the US several e-waste bills are in place at the state level, for example in Washington. More recently 23 additional states, including New York, are to enact an e-waste recycling law that will oblige electronic equipment manufacturers to provide a free recycling program by 2011. By 2015, it will be illegal to dispose electronic waste at landfills.
What Can You Do?
Awareness, attitude and action are important steps in taking personal responsibility for e-waste. Once you are certain your electronic item is beyond repair, you can find a safe place to dispose of it on-line or through your local council. When purchasing new items, remember some products and their manufacturers are ‘greener’ than others. Also check the energy efficiency of the product to save on power bills and try to choose products with the least packaging and/or packaging that is recycled and recyclable. It may be worth spending more on equipment that lasts longer and you can pay extra for an extended warranty, obliging the manufacturer to repair or replace faulty items.
While some local councils in Australia have e-waste facilities, most councils can direct you to a recycling organization for most of your e-waste. The Sydney City Council for example has a link for Mobile Muster which is run by AMTA (Australia Mobile Telecommunication Association). Old mobile phones and accessories can be recycled through Mobile Muster with 3,500 collection points Australia-wide, free Australia Post recycling satchels, or download a reply paid mailing label. According to their website, one tonne of mobile phone circuit boards can yield the same amount of precious metals as 110 tonnes of gold ore, 123 tonnes of silver ore and 11 tonnes of copper sulphide ore. Last year alone, Mobile Muster collected 122 tonnes of mobile phone components.
