Bill Restricting Export of E-Waste Introduced in Senate

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The legislation that proposes restrictions on exports of electronic waste out of the U.S has been introduced in the Senate. The Senate bill 2448 was introduced September 9th by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Lamar Alexander.

The legislation would allow exports of certain electronic waste items such as tested, working used electronics, low risk counterfeit electronics and recalled electronics. The law also exempts exports of electronic parts of a motor vehicle. Also, it permits exports of electronic components or items containing electronic components that are exported or reexported to an entity with the intent that they are used for the purpose for which they are used in the U.S. The exports of all general electronic waste is prohibited.

The bill's sponsors cite several advantages, if passed by the Senate. Apart from protecting military electronics, it would contribute immensely to the growth of domestic recycling industry, which in turn will result in creation of hundreds of new jobs. Also, it would promote safe recycling of used electronics within the country itself. At present, the country exports bulk of its e-waste to foreign destinations, where they are generally handled in an unsafe manner using primitive techniques, causing damage to human health and surrounding environment.

The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) welcomed the introduction of the bill in the Senate, saying that it will protect the U.S. Military by reducing the risk of counterfeit electronic components reexported from other countries.

The bill has been referred to the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.