E-Waste Generated by Americans Has Been on Decline Since 2015, Finds New Report
E-waste Recycling | 2020-12-02 12:32:39
The major contributor to the decline in e-waste volume is the gradual disappearance of the large, bulky cathode-ray tube (CRT) televisions and computer monitors from American homes.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The recent study conducted by the Yale School of the Environment’s Center for Industrial Ecology found that the total mass of electronic waste generated by Americans has been on constant decline since 2015.
The major contributor to the decline in e-waste volume is the gradual disappearance of the large, bulky cathode-ray tube (CRT) televisions and computer monitors from American homes. The decline of the above devices in waste stream since 2011 has resulted in overall dip in total e-waste volumes in the country, said Callie Babbitt, an author of the study report.
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According to the report, majority of state e-waste regulations set their targets based on e-waste mass. The lack of bulk electronics in waste stream makes it difficult for meeting those targets. Accordingly, e-waste regulations will have to be redefined. Also, the e-waste recycling system must be updated, keeping in pace with the changing nature of electronics, it said.
The study warns that the extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations currently implemented in many U.S. states for eâ€waste management are likely to become less effective, if they continue to have collection targets based on e-waste volume.
