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e-waste proposals-US

Bill HR2595 aims to restrict certain exports of electronic waste and proposes an amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA).

While the scope is more limited than in the EU it is certainly broader than most e-waste restrictions currently in effect in the US.

Products, defined as covered electronic equipment, include the likes of personal computers, servers, monitors, televisions (and other video display products) printers, copiers, fax machines, image scanners, cassette recorders, video and audio players, games consoles, PDA's, telephones and any other products deemed to be similar.

The bill would only cover products containing certain substances such as beryllium, cadmium, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, antimony, chromium and lead in certain components, assemblies and materials.

The bill provides for certain exemptions including reuse, returns under warranty, and repair / refurbishment.

The bill would prohibit the export of any restricted electronic waste to any non OECD (organisation for economic co-operation and development) countries. Unlike EU WEEE there is no producer registration, labelling or financing requirement.

There will be a 12 month period of grace once the law comes into effect.

At least this is a step in the right direction following the historic reluctance of the US to ratify the Basel Convention.

 

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