Directive Decoder

Europe now finds itself at the centre of the contentious issue of what the European Commission refers to as "backyard recycling".

Organohalogen compounds are, in general, non hazardous but a ban is being considered in an attempt to minimise the impact of uncontrolled and unsafe recycling practices that are carried out in India, China and Africa.

The fact that this happens is not in question and many people, especially the young, are harmed by the toxic chemicals that are emitted when some of these substances are burnt over open fires to recover materials such as copper, silver and aluminium from electronic waste that has reached end-of-life. This can happen either at the roadside or in the many dismantling "shops".

Europe now finds itself at the centre of the contentious issue that the European Commission refers to as "backyard recycling".

Organohalogen compounds are, in general, non hazardous but a ban is being considered in an attempt to prevent uncontrolled and unsafe recycling practices that are carried out in India, China and Africa.

The fact that this happens is not in question and many people, especially the young, are harmed by the toxic chemicals that are emitted when some of these substances are burnt over open fires to recover materials such as copper, silver and aluminium from electronic waste that has reached end-of-life.

For the full story around the dangers of lead poisoning click on the link.

Directive Decoder

As regular readers will know I am passionate about the subject of the recycling of toxic electronic waste in the developing world, sometimes referred to as Backyard Recycling.

This man made tragedy is based on the often illegal shipment of e-waste to developing countries from the developed world, and the harmful results of uncontrolled recycling, often carried out by the young. As a result, the levels of lead in the blood stream of young children is causing widespread harm, including damage to the brain.

Click here for further details.

However, I am delighted to say that this week, at the Electronica Trade Fair in Munich, Premier Farnell launched its pledge to help stop inadequately controlled e-waste recycling.

The Basel Action Network (BAN) and the Electronics Take-Back coalition, working with 32 recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment, have announced the E-Stewards programme, which identifies the most responsible recyclers in North America.

The group hopes to end the dumping of toxic e-waste in developing countries. Recent studies revealed that most North American e-waste ends up in China, India or Africa.

The E-Stewards certification and accreditation of responsible recyclers will be the first such scheme in North America.

Would anyone like to help the young people of India who are suffering from significant levels of lead in their blood due to uncontrolled recycling of toxic e-waste?

53% of those under the age of 12 have levels that are reducing their IQ / ability to learn.

If you would like to support us with finance, time, ideas, contacts or anything appropriate, then please pledge your interest by clicking on the link below.

Full details

Pledge here

Directive Decoder

A new task force, including former police detectives, will support the Environment Agency in its fight to close illegal waste sites.

Backed by £5M of funding over two years the new Crime Agency will employ 90 new members of staff according to the ENDS Report.

According to the Agency there are 594 illegal waste sites in England and Wales - 215 in the South East, 99 in Yorkshire and the North East and 83 in the North West. The remainder are in East Anglia, the Midlands, the South West and Wales.

The new task force will work with councils, police, HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions to bring criminals to justice.

More power to their elbow I say!

Directive Decoder