Everyone agrees that it needs to increase, and so we're starting from here. Although they support recycling efforts, computer makers say consumers must shoulder a large part of the burden for those initiatives to succeed. Companies such as IBM, Dell Computer and Sony Electronics have recently launched recycling and reuse programs aimed primarily at consumers, and the Electronic Industries Alliance trade group has drafted an initiative on the issue. Their work is something of a pre-emptive strike. The industry, which has historically clamored against any government supervision, wants to avoid having bureaucrats in Washington, Tokyo, Brussels or Boston tell it what to do on the issue.
Many governments appear willing to do just that.
In Japan, for example, a law went into effect last month requiring manufacturers to take back used TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners. Computer equipment isn't covered in the law but could be in the future. The computer industry is going to have to face this. Europe's lead Perhaps the best road map for U.S. recycling legislation can be found in Europe. The European Parliament this month will have a key vote on legislation that would require electronics manufacturers to phase out elements such as lead and mercury and to take back used products.