Date: January 24, 2012
Source: Waste Management Recycle America
Alcoa and Waste Management Recycle America recently joined the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) adding heft to industry support for legislation that would strengthen EPA's authority to regulate electronic waste (e-waste). CAER supports the passage of the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act, introduced last June, which would prohibit the export of certain electronic waste (e-waste) to developing countries that lack environmental safeguards. Many e-waste recyclers have long complained of a patchwork of state regulations that makes it difficult to operate their business, but more recently they are complaining about getting undercut by competitors with unscrupulous scrapping practices who send their e-waste overseas to developing countries. Last month, Sims Recycling Solutions, the largest e-waste recycler in the world, joined the group, signaling a growing rift with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), which opposes the legislation. ISRI contends that any restriction on e-waste recyclers would hurt business, smaller businesses in particular, and cause less e-waste to be recycled.
See also: "New Coalition Pushes for E-Waste Legislation; Breaking from ISRI," (www.wasteinfo.com/news/wbj20111228C.htm).
PRESS RELEASE
January 24, 2012
Alcoa and Waste Management Recycle America Join Coalition for American Electronics Recycling
Back proposed legislation that promotes safe, sustainable disposal of e-waste and growth of U.S. electronics recycling industry
The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) announced today that Alcoa, the world's leading aluminum producer, and Waste Management Recycle America, North America's leading provider of integrated environmental solutions, have joined the alliance. CAER represents U.S. companies that believe electronics recycling should be performed securely and sustainably for the benefit of the American economy.
As members of the Coalition, Waste Management Recycle America and Alcoa endorse passage of the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act, introduced last June. This legislation prohibits U.S. export of certain electronic waste (e-waste) to developing countries that lack safeguards to protect the environment and workers, and supports the expansion of the U.S. recycling industry.
"The addition of industry leading cornerstone organizations such as Waste Management and Alcoa is further proof of a growing consensus that the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act is good for business and will create much-needed jobs and enhance sustainability," said John Shegerian, Co-founder and President, Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) and CAER steering committee member. "Our members are committed to growing an American industry with the capacity to manage e-waste generated within our borders and the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs in every part of the country. We're extremely proud to have Waste Management and Alcoa join alongside us to support this crucial alliance."
"Waste Management Recycle America is excited to join with fellow members of the e-waste community in pushing for passage of this bill. We believe strongly in limiting the export of hazardous electronic waste," said Bill Caesar, president of WM Recycle America. "Waste Management continues to grow the eCycling business that is critical to reaching our goal of managing more than 20 million tons of recyclables each year by 2020."
"Alcoa's partnership with the largest electronics recycler in the U.S., Electronic Recyclers International, provides both an economic and environmental solution to e-waste," said Kevin Anton, Alcoa Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. "Aluminum use in the consumer electronics industry is growing rapidly due to its unique properties as an infinitely recyclable, light weight and heat conductive material. Alcoa is driving sustainable practices by supporting the reuse of aluminum and other materials across the consumer electronics industry."
With the addition of Alcoa and Waste Management, CAER now includes 48 companies with facilities in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Visit the CAER website for a complete member list.
CAER is committed to growing an American industry with the capacity to manage the volume of e-waste generated within its borders, creating good jobs and expanded trade. For more information about HR 2284/SB1270, visit the CAER website, which includes links to the full text of each bill.
For more information, contact:
For Alcoa:
Libby Archell
212-836-2719
Libby.archell@alcoa.com.
For Waste Management:
Tim Frost
Manager, Corporate Communications
Phone 713-328-7545
tfrost@wm.com.
For CAER:
Paul Vetter
614-383-1630
Paul.Vetter@fahlgren.com.
For ERI:
Paul Williams
310-569-0023
paul@medialinecommunications.com.
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