Electronic scrap bill loophole draws groups´ opposition

June 2 -- Environmental groups and some electronics recyclers are opposed to a federal electronic scrap bill that would allow recyclers to export units to developing countries for repair or refurbishing.

Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas, introduced House Resolution 2595 in U.S. House of Representatives. The measure is aimed at prohibiting exports of certain types of electronic scrap. But it does not go far enough, according to the Electronics TakeBack Coalition and the Basel Action Network.

"We need Congress to take action to close the door on the global dumping of e-waste," said Barbara Kyle, national coordinator for the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. "But this bill has a huge loophole that will allow recyclers to continue to export our old e-waste to developing countries by claiming that it´s going for repair or refurbishment."

Recyclers could ship outdated and nonworking units simply by claiming they intended them for repair or reuse, said Neil Peters-Michaud, CEO of electronics recycler Cascades Asset Management.

"This bill will do little to stem the tide of the thousands of containers of e-waste junk shipped to developing countries each month," he said.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Joe Truini at 330-865-6166 or jtruini@crain.com