IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2008

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SUMMIT® is on APRIL 9&10

(See the Industry Events Section)

INDUSTRY NEWS

FEATURE STORY ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

· Digital TV Transition

(GreenBiz.com – February 22, 2008)

In anticipation of the transition to digital TV transmission in 2009, it is suggested that although “there is a low-cost converter available to allow customers to continue to use their existing sets … it is a fair bet millions of people will decide to upgrade anyway”. One solution is proposed – “There is a window of opportunity to engage retailers to encourage them to make set top converters more widely available for people who don’t want to buy a new set next February, and to develop adequate infrastructure for responsible disposal of tens of millions of TV sets people will likely discard as the digital deadline approaches.”

Unfortunately, as with other articles authored by some environmental advocacy groups, misleading information is used to overstate the case for responsible electronics recycling – such as “harmful lead can spill out of broken cathode ray tubes” (and) “almost 90% of e-waste … is still ending up in landfills or getting exported to other countries”.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING LEGISLATION

(NCER News Summary and E-Scrap News)

· U.S. Congress

A group of U.S. Representatives and Senators issued a “concept paper” on electronics recycling that could become the basis for federal legislation. “The U.S. EPA would establish recycling requirements and administer the program, collecting fees from manufacturers to cover program costs and issue grants to state agencies for administration and enforcement of the national program.” Recyclers and exporters would also be required to register with EPA and meet EPA minimum, enforceable performance standards. “Manufacturers /retailers/federal/state and local governments can only use recyclers and exporters that are registered with EPA”. There is also a strong export requirement that will “require exporters of CEDs (covered electronic devices) to notify EPA of an intended export 60 days prior to export … (and) The export of CEDs is prohibited unless the receiving country consents to the intended export”.

· New York City

(The New York Times - February 14, 2008)

The City Council of New York “approved a bill that would impose a $100 fine on anyone who throws an old computer, printer or other electronic gadget into the trash. Recycling the electronic waste will become mandatory, and manufacturers will be required to take back their own products as well as those made by companies that have gone out of business … Manufacturers could pick the type of recycling program they preferred … (but) companies would have to take back enough pieces of equipment to meet mandatory tonnage standards or face fines”. The Mayor and manufacturers oppose the mandatory thresholds – “These standards penalize manufacturers for the actions of customers, which we believe is unconstitutional.”

· Nebraska

Two bills were introduced in the Nebraska Legislature relating to electronics recycling. One would require manufacturers to register and pay a fee to fund municipal recycling programs as well as an “option of establishing an independent recovery system”. The other bill would require consumers to pay an advanced recovery fee to fund recycling programs.

· Arizona

An Arizona House bill would establish “a manufacturer-responsibility system, requiring producers to register with the state, pay an annual registration fee and establish a state-approved program for the recovery of desktop and laptop computers and televisions.”

· Hawaii

A Hawaii Senate bill would establish a manufacturers’ responsibility electronics recycling program and a landfill disposal ban.

· Illinois

An Illinois House bill would establish a producer responsibility system for a broader range of electronic products and also require state purchases of EPEAT-registered products.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

· India

(The Hindu – February 12, 2008)

“Chennai ranks third among the top 10 cities (in India) that generate e-waste … (but) there are no guidelines yet for e-waste management and disposal … There are five e-waste recyclers around Chenai … (but they) mainly collect from original equipment manufacturers and electronic manufacturing service companies … Chenai’s e-waste includes what is imported from other countries. A lot of e-waste is imported under the guise of donations or second-hand computers.”

· Nova Scotia

(CBC News – February 5, 2008)

“Electronic recycling depots across Nova Scotia are being told they cannot accept badly damaged televisions, computer monitors or laptops … (because) heavily damaged electronics pose a safety hazard”.

OTHER RELATED NEWS

· Plastics Process – Panasonic (Matsushita) announced that it “developed … a recycling technology that enables the recovery of metals from plastic-coated wires and plastics … without causing hazardous side-effects.”

· Precious Metals Process – A University in Japan announced the discovery of “a material that can accelerate the recovery of precious metals by as much as one hundred times over conventional means”.

· Maine Data – The National Center for Electronics Recycling/NCER (IAER Member) announced the availability of a new analysis of collections in Maine during the first half of 2007 – including “volume collected by product category and claim status, in addition to data on the total number of brands returned and their respective manufacturer”. You can go to the website to see the data by clicking here.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SUMMIT® - 2008

REGISTER NOW!

The IAER and ISRI will co-sponsor the 2008 SUMMIT event to be held in conjunction with the ISRI annual convention – April 6-10, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV.

The program for this year’s Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® is bigger and better than ever, so don’t miss it. The program includes all the key elements of past SUMMIT events and more - as follows:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

· IERI SHORT COURSES (optional registration/limited seating)

– organized by the International Electronics Recyclers Institute/IERI

– two of the most popular and successful IERI courses:

§ Downstream Due Diligence & Risk Management

§ Electronics Specialty Materials: Recycling & Disposal

· ISRI Plenary Session:

§ Thought Leadership: Sustainability: Recycling's Place in a Carbon Economy [JP1]

· Electronics Recycling Collaboration Network/ERCN – Luncheon Meeting

· SUMMIT SESSION I - Strengthening the Infrastructure for Electronics Recycling – Opportunities for Collaboration

· SUMMIT SESSION II - State of the Art in Technology for Scrap Electronics Processing & Material Recovery

· Electronics Recycling Networking Reception

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

· Joint ISRI/IAER Electronics Recycling - Breakfast Meeting

· SUMMIT SESSION III - Electronics Recycling Value Added Services

· SUMMIT SESSION IV - Future Market Drivers for Electronics Recycling

· SUMMIT SESSION V - “Great Exportation” – challenges & opportunities

· SUMMIT SESSION VI - States Electronics Recycling Programs

- in addition to the world’s largest trade show and conference on recycling!

GO TO THE SUMMIT WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM

at: http://www.iaer.org/summit/2008ers.htm

REGISTER NOW

The entire SUMMIT program is included in registration for the ISRI Convention.

IAER Members can register for the ISRI Convention at ISRI Member Rates.

Go to the SUMMIT webpage on the ISRI Convention website to register at: http://e.isriconvention.org/

Highlights of 2007 Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® - including the complete program, copies of the SUMMIT presentations and a photo gallery can be found on the IAER website at:

http://www.iaer.org/summit/summit/Summit2007c.htm

IERI SHORT COURSES

The International Electronics Recyclers Institute (IERI) will be co-sponsoring an educational program with ISRI to be held in conjunction with the ISRI Convention on Wednesday, April 9 as part of the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® program (see above). Two of the most popular and successful IERI Short Courses will be offered:

· Downstream Due Diligence & Risk Management

· Electronics Specialty Materials: Recycling & Disposal

Because of the limited seating for IERI Short Courses, attendees must register separately (at no additional cost) on a first-come, first served basis.

For details of the courses and links to registration, go to the IERI webpage at:

http://www.iaer.org/communications/institute2.htm

IAER NEWS

IAER-ISRI MEMBERS MEETING

During the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® event (above), a special meeting has been scheduled for both ISRI and IAER Members who are involved in electronics recycling. This will be an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of the ISRI and IAER leadership about the status of the ISRI-IAER organizational relationship. The breakfast meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10 from 7:30-9:00AM. All those interested in the future of the electronics recycling industry and your trade associations are encouraged to attend.

IAER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

During the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT®, the IAER announced a new release of the IAER Certification Program. The IAER Standards & Certification Committee completed a year-long effort of revising the IAER Certification Standard and supporting documents involved in the IAER certification process. The revisions focused on expanding, strengthening and re-organizing requirements to be consistent with all the key elements of the EPA’s draft “Best Management Practices for Electronics Recycling” (BMPs) – particularly in areas such as control of materials of concern, downstream due diligence and risk management, tracking records, reuse and refurbishment.

Click here for more information on Release 2.1 – including the News Release and revised IAER Certification Standard.

Many companies are now taking advantage of IAER Certification – and the cost efficient process that was introduced last year.

If your company is not sure about pursuing IAER Certification, visit the web page on: “The Benefits of being a Certified Electronics Recycler®”.

To recognize those that have achieved IAER certification, a webpage has been established that provides access to the public to all current Certified Electronics Recyclers.

IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY REPORT

The IAER partnered with Resource Recycling/E-Scrap News to publish a 2006 update to the Electronics Recycling Industry Report®. It includes surveys of the electronics recycling industry in the U.S. as well as comprehensive new research on the trends and developments that drive the industry. This report contains information that is essential for anyone involved or interested in the electronics recycling industry – with even more data and illustrations than the original 2003 Report. For more information and to order the Report, go to the web page at:

http://www.iaer.org/communications/indreport.htm

Updates to the Industry Report were presented at the last SUMMIT and have been posted on the SUMMIT 2007 webpage.

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

(From News Releases, Recycling Today, and E-Scrap News)

Recyclers

· Metech International (IAER Sustaining Member) – “announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase renewable energy for its Worcester recycling facility”.

· Cascade Asset Management (IAER Member) – announced “a new secure storage rental program for its customers … offering a suite of collection containers which provide simple and convenient options for customers to collect retired assets throughout their facilities as well as outdoor locations”.

· Creative Recycling Systems (IAER Member) – announced an electronics recycling event as part of the “Sam’s Club Sustainability Fair … held at 9 store locations in western Florida”.

· Intechra (IAER Member) – announced that it “is closing two of its facilities in Arizona, and moving the equipment and business to Intechra facilities in Dallas and Columbus, Ohio.”

· E-World Recyclers (IAER Member) – “received a Special Recognition Award from the San Diego North Economic Development Council for outstanding efforts in community and economic growth”.

· TechTurn (IAER Member) – “announced that Vito Fabiano has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer” … coming from Dell.

· Goodwill Industries (IAER Member) – announced an expansion of its joint e-scrap collection program with Dell in Northwestern Ohio.

· AERC Recycling Solutions (IAER Member) – announced “an exclusive partnership with e-Green Management … to provide e-cycling service for the five boroughs of New York City metro area, including Long Island.”

· Sims – announced the purchase of “e-scrap processor Accu-Shred” (Canada).

· Reclamere – announced the completion of the “recertification process for the physical destruction of computer hard drives … (by the) National Association for Information Destruction”.

· ASL Recycling – announced “49 … e-waste drop-off locations in Northern California, and … plans to open more throughout the entire state over the coming months”.

Other Companies and Organizations

· Sony – reported on its “National Takeback and Recycling Plan” in partnership with Waste Management (IAER Member). “The program has already collected more than 1,000 tons of e-scrap … (with goals that include) having 150 drop-off locations around the country, including one in every state, by September 15, 2008”.

· HP – “announced it recycled close to 250 million pounds of hardware and print cartridges globally in its fiscal year 2007 – around a 50 % increase from the figures the previous year.” Separately, HP announced increasing the production of “inkjet cartridges made of recycled used cartridges, water bottles and other plastics”.

· Canon – announced a “Green Calculator Line … made up of five calculator models manufactured with materials taken from recycled photocopiers.”

· Nokia – announced an expansion of its takeback program in Eastern Africa. Separately, Nokia “released a short video showing a new concept … exploring how recycled materials could be used to make mobiles (cell phones) in the future”.

· RBRC – “The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. and Sony Electronics have partnered on an initiative aimed at increasing consumer participation in RBRC’s recycling program.”

· Marriott – announced that it “recycled almost 400,000 pounds of end-of-life electronic hardware”.

	IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING NEWSLETTER MARCH 2008 ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SUMMIT® is on APRIL 9&10 (See the Industry Events Section) INDUSTRY NEWS FEATURE STORY ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING · Digital TV Transition (GreenBiz.com – February 22, 2008) In anticipation of the transition to digital TV transmission in 2009, it is suggested that although “there is a low-cost converter available to allow customers to continue to use their existing sets … it is a fair bet millions of people will decide to upgrade anyway”. One solution is proposed – “There is a window of opportunity to engage retailers to encourage them to make set top converters more widely available for people who don’t want to buy a new set next February, and to develop adequate infrastructure for responsible disposal of tens of millions of TV sets people will likely discard as the digital deadline approaches.” Unfortunately, as with other articles authored by some environmental advocacy groups, misleading information is used to overstate the case for responsible electronics recycling – such as “harmful lead can spill out of broken cathode ray tubes” (and) “almost 90% of e-waste … is still ending up in landfills or getting exported to other countries”. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING LEGISLATION (NCER News Summary and E-Scrap News) · U.S. Congress A group of U.S. Representatives and Senators issued a “concept paper” on electronics recycling that could become the basis for federal legislation. “The U.S. EPA would establish recycling requirements and administer the program, collecting fees from manufacturers to cover program costs and issue grants to state agencies for administration and enforcement of the national program.” Recyclers and exporters would also be required to register with EPA and meet EPA minimum, enforceable performance standards. “Manufacturers /retailers/federal/state and local governments can only use recyclers and exporters that are registered with EPA”. There is also a strong export requirement that will “require exporters of CEDs (covered electronic devices) to notify EPA of an intended export 60 days prior to export … (and) The export of CEDs is prohibited unless the receiving country consents to the intended export”. · New York City (The New York Times - February 14, 2008) The City Council of New York “approved a bill that would impose a $100 fine on anyone who throws an old computer, printer or other electronic gadget into the trash. Recycling the electronic waste will become mandatory, and manufacturers will be required to take back their own products as well as those made by companies that have gone out of business … Manufacturers could pick the type of recycling program they preferred … (but) companies would have to take back enough pieces of equipment to meet mandatory tonnage standards or face fines”. The Mayor and manufacturers oppose the mandatory thresholds – “These standards penalize manufacturers for the actions of customers, which we believe is unconstitutional.” · Nebraska Two bills were introduced in the Nebraska Legislature relating to electronics recycling. One would require manufacturers to register and pay a fee to fund municipal recycling programs as well as an “option of establishing an independent recovery system”. The other bill would require consumers to pay an advanced recovery fee to fund recycling programs. · Arizona An Arizona House bill would establish “a manufacturer-responsibility system, requiring producers to register with the state, pay an annual registration fee and establish a state-approved program for the recovery of desktop and laptop computers and televisions.” · Hawaii A Hawaii Senate bill would establish a manufacturers’ responsibility electronics recycling program and a landfill disposal ban. · Illinois An Illinois House bill would establish a producer responsibility system for a broader range of electronic products and also require state purchases of EPEAT-registered products. INTERNATIONAL NEWS ON ELECTRONICS RECYCLING · India (The Hindu – February 12, 2008) “Chennai ranks third among the top 10 cities (in India) that generate e-waste … (but) there are no guidelines yet for e-waste management and disposal … There are five e-waste recyclers around Chenai … (but they) mainly collect from original equipment manufacturers and electronic manufacturing service companies … Chenai’s e-waste includes what is imported from other countries. A lot of e-waste is imported under the guise of donations or second-hand computers.” · Nova Scotia (CBC News – February 5, 2008) “Electronic recycling depots across Nova Scotia are being told they cannot accept badly damaged televisions, computer monitors or laptops … (because) heavily damaged electronics pose a safety hazard”. OTHER RELATED NEWS · Plastics Process – Panasonic (Matsushita) announced that it “developed … a recycling technology that enables the recovery of metals from plastic-coated wires and plastics … without causing hazardous side-effects.” · Precious Metals Process – A University in Japan announced the discovery of “a material that can accelerate the recovery of precious metals by as much as one hundred times over conventional means”. · Maine Data – The National Center for Electronics Recycling/NCER (IAER Member) announced the availability of a new analysis of collections in Maine during the first half of 2007 – including “volume collected by product category and claim status, in addition to data on the total number of brands returned and their respective manufacturer”. You can go to the website to see the data by clicking here. INDUSTRY EVENTS ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SUMMIT® - 2008 *REGISTER NOW!* The IAER and ISRI will co-sponsor the 2008 SUMMIT event to be held in conjunction with the ISRI annual convention – April 6-10, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. The program for this year’s Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® is bigger and better than ever, so don’t miss it. The program includes all the key elements of past SUMMIT events and more - as follows: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 · IERI SHORT COURSES (optional registration/limited seating) – organized by the International Electronics Recyclers Institute/IERI – two of the most popular and successful IERI courses: § Downstream Due Diligence & Risk Management § Electronics Specialty Materials: Recycling & Disposal · ISRI Plenary Session: § Thought Leadership: Sustainability: Recycling's Place in a Carbon Economy [JP1] · Electronics Recycling Collaboration Network/ERCN – Luncheon Meeting · SUMMIT SESSION I - Strengthening the Infrastructure for Electronics Recycling – Opportunities for Collaboration · SUMMIT SESSION II - State of the Art in Technology for Scrap Electronics Processing & Material Recovery · Electronics Recycling Networking Reception THURSDAY, APRIL 10 · Joint ISRI/IAER Electronics Recycling - Breakfast Meeting · SUMMIT SESSION III - Electronics Recycling Value Added Services · SUMMIT SESSION IV - Future Market Drivers for Electronics Recycling · SUMMIT SESSION V - “Great Exportation” – challenges & opportunities · SUMMIT SESSION VI - States Electronics Recycling Programs - in addition to the world’s largest trade show and conference on recycling! *GO TO THE* *SUMMIT* *WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM* at: http://www.iaer.org/summit/2008ers.htm *REGISTER NOW* The entire SUMMIT program is included in registration for the ISRI Convention. IAER Members can register for the ISRI Convention at ISRI Member Rates. Go to the SUMMIT webpage on the ISRI Convention website to register at: http://e.isriconvention.org/ Highlights of 2007 Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® - including the complete program, copies of the SUMMIT presentations and a photo gallery can be found on the IAER website at: http://www.iaer.org/summit/summit/Summit2007c.htm IERI SHORT COURSES The International Electronics Recyclers Institute (IERI) will be co-sponsoring an educational program with ISRI to be held in conjunction with the ISRI Convention on Wednesday, April 9 as part of the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® program (see above). Two of the most popular and successful IERI Short Courses will be offered: · Downstream Due Diligence & Risk Management · Electronics Specialty Materials: Recycling & Disposal Because of the limited seating for IERI Short Courses, attendees must register separately (at no additional cost) on a first-come, first served basis. For details of the courses and links to registration, go to the IERI webpage at: http://www.iaer.org/communications/institute2.htm IAER NEWS IAER-ISRI MEMBERS MEETING During the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® event (above), a special meeting has been scheduled for both ISRI and IAER Members who are involved in electronics recycling. This will be an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of the ISRI and IAER leadership about the status of the ISRI-IAER organizational relationship. The breakfast meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10 from 7:30-9:00AM. All those interested in the future of the electronics recycling industry and your trade associations are encouraged to attend. IAER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM During the Electronics Recycling SUMMIT®, the IAER announced a new release of the IAER Certification Program. The IAER Standards & Certification Committee completed a year-long effort of revising the IAER Certification Standard and supporting documents involved in the IAER certification process. The revisions focused on expanding, strengthening and re-organizing requirements to be consistent with all the key elements of the EPA’s draft “Best Management Practices for Electronics Recycling” (BMPs) – particularly in areas such as control of materials of concern, downstream due diligence and risk management, tracking records, reuse and refurbishment. Click here for more information on Release 2.1 – including the News Release and revised IAER Certification Standard. Many companies are now taking advantage of IAER Certification – and the cost efficient process that was introduced last year. *If your company is not sure about pursuing IAER Certification, visit the web page on: “The Benefits of being a Certified Electronics Recycler®”. To recognize those that have achieved IAER certification, a webpage has been established that provides access to the public to all current Certified Electronics Recyclers. IAER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY REPORT* The IAER partnered with Resource Recycling/E-Scrap News to publish a 2006 update to the Electronics Recycling Industry Report®. It includes surveys of the electronics recycling industry in the U.S. as well as comprehensive new research on the trends and developments that drive the industry. This report contains information that is essential for anyone involved or interested in the electronics recycling industry – with even more data and illustrations than the original 2003 Report. For more information and to order the Report, go to the web page at: http://www.iaer.org/communications/indreport.htm Updates to the Industry Report were presented at the last SUMMIT and have been posted on the SUMMIT 2007 webpage. COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS (From News Releases, Recycling Today, and E-Scrap News) Recyclers · Metech International (IAER Sustaining Member) – “announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase renewable energy for its Worcester recycling facility”. · Cascade Asset Management (IAER Member) – announced “a new secure storage rental program for its customers … offering a suite of collection containers which provide simple and convenient options for customers to collect retired assets throughout their facilities as well as outdoor locations”. · Creative Recycling Systems (IAER Member) – announced an electronics recycling event as part of the “Sam’s Club Sustainability Fair … held at 9 store locations in western Florida”. · Intechra (IAER Member) – announced that it “is closing two of its facilities in Arizona, and moving the equipment and business to Intechra facilities in Dallas and Columbus, Ohio.” · E-World Recyclers (IAER Member) – “received a Special Recognition Award from the San Diego North Economic Development Council for outstanding efforts in community and economic growth”. · TechTurn (IAER Member) – “announced that Vito Fabiano has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer” … coming from Dell. · Goodwill Industries (IAER Member) – announced an expansion of its joint e-scrap collection program with Dell in Northwestern Ohio. · AERC Recycling Solutions (IAER Member) – announced “an exclusive partnership with e-Green Management … to provide e-cycling service for the five boroughs of New York City metro area, including Long Island.” · Sims – announced the purchase of “e-scrap processor Accu-Shred” (Canada). · Reclamere – announced the completion of the “recertification process for the physical destruction of computer hard drives … (by the) National Association for Information Destruction”. · ASL Recycling – announced “49 … e-waste drop-off locations in Northern California, and … plans to open more throughout the entire state over the coming months”. Other Companies and Organizations · Sony – reported on its “National Takeback and Recycling Plan” in partnership with Waste Management (IAER Member). “The program has already collected more than 1,000 tons of e-scrap … (with goals that include) having 150 drop-off locations around the country, including one in every state, by September 15, 2008”. · HP – “announced it recycled close to 250 million pounds of hardware and print cartridges globally in its fiscal year 2007 – around a 50 % increase from the figures the previous year.” Separately, HP announced increasing the production of “inkjet cartridges made of recycled used cartridges, water bottles and other plastics”. · Canon – announced a “Green Calculator Line … made up of five calculator models manufactured with materials taken from recycled photocopiers.” · Nokia – announced an expansion of its takeback program in Eastern Africa. Separately, Nokia “released a short video showing a new concept … exploring how recycled materials could be used to make mobiles (cell phones) in the future”. · RBRC – “The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. and Sony Electronics have partnered on an initiative aimed at increasing consumer participation in RBRC’s recycling program.” · Marriott – announced that it “recycled almost 400,000 pounds of end-of-life electronic hardware”. Return to the main page