NERC in the News
NERC Participates in News Conference — Launch of National eCycling Initiative
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In mid-April a significant development occurred in the world of e-waste recycling. The consumer electronics industry leaders launched the first-ever industry-wide electronics recycling initiative to recycle one billion pounds of electronics annually by 2016, which would be a more than threefold increase over 2010.
The eCycling Leadership Initiative seeks to improve consumer awareness of the more than 5,000 collection sites currently sponsored by industry; increase the amount of electronics recycled responsibly; increase the number of collection opportunities available; and provide transparent metrics on eCycling efforts.
“The launch of the eCycling Leadership Initiative is a watershed moment in the history of electronics recycling in the United States,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. “Our members have been on the forefront of eCycling advancements, and today a forward-thinking industry is challenging itself to go even further.”
The eCycling Leadership Initiative is a collaboration among consumer electronics manufacturers, retailers, collectors, recyclers, non-governmental organizations and governments at all levels, coordinated by CEA.
“The billion pound challenge is about both the quality and quantity of electronics recycling,” said Walter Alcorn, CEA’s vice president of environmental affairs and industry sustainability. “But we won’t stop at a billion pounds. The eCycling Leadership initiative is an ongoing, permanent initiative that will follow the best practices and commitment of industry, including practices that prohibit the use of recyclers and downstream processors who dump end-of-life electronics in developing nations.”
Northeast Recycling Council Executive Director Lynn Rubinstein, participated in the news conference and offered the following remarks. “NERC will be working with this initiative to help see that it is promoted and that consumers are aware of it and take advantage of it.” She added that “right now half of the states have laws and manufacturers have programs in those states. This initiative will see to it that all those opportunities are in place nationally. And we are greatly looking forward to seeing this initiative become a reality.”
For more information on the eCycling Leadership Initiative and its focus on education, infrastructure enhancement, and measurement and transparency, as well as details on consumer electronics industry recycling programs, click here.
