Electronic waste
Subtitle: considerations for promoting environmentally sound reuse and recycling : report to the Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives
Contributors: Stephenson, John B.; United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Technology
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 65
Subjects: Rules and practice; Evaluation; Electronics; Recycling; Government policy; States; Intergovernmental cooperation; United States. Environmental Protection Agency; United States
Other titles: Considerations for promoting environmentally sound reuse and recycling
Description: Low recycling rates for used televisions, computers, and other electronics result in the loss of valuable resources, and electronic waste exports risk harming human health and the environment in countries that lack safe recycling and disposal capacity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the management of used electronics that qualify as hazardous waste and promotes voluntary efforts among electronics manufacturers, recyclers, and other stakeholders. However, in the absence of a comprehensive national approach, a growing number of states have enacted electronics recycling laws, raising concerns about a patchwork of state requirements. In this context, GAO examined (1) EPA's efforts to facilitate environmentally sound used electronics management, (2) the views of various stakeholders on the state-by-state approach, and (3) considerations to further promote environmentally sound management. GAO reviewed EPA documents, interviewed EPA officials, and interviewed stakeholders in five states with electronics recycling legislation. GAO recommends that the Administrator, EPA, (1) examine how EPA's partnership programs could be improved to contribute more effectively to used electronics management and (2) work with other federal agencies to finalize a legislative proposal on ratification of the Basel Convention for congressional consideration. EPA agreed with the recommendations.
Notes: Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Aug. 14, 2010).

"July 2010."

"GAO-10-626."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Reader.