Understanding the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act

On June 22, 2011, the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act (RERA) was introduced to Congress, but as of this writing, it has yet to be enacted. Liquid Technology is a supporter of this Act because it targets a number of issues that currently remain unaddressed in the electronics recycling industry.

With more than 3.1 million tons of e-waste being produced in the United States alone on a yearly basis, electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the country, yet only about 12% of this waste is recycled. What makes matters worse is that the American e-waste recycling industry has long been tainted by companies that practice off-shore shipping of e-waste to developing countries for unsafe salvage and metals recovery or outright disposal.

The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act is designed to not only help control this problem, but also to help foster domestic job growth in this important field.

Why the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act is So Desperately Needed

The United States is the most technologically-advanced country in the world, yet we are one of the only developed countries that does not have laws designed to address eco-responsible e-waste disposal and management. The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act provides the regulatory framework needed to correct this situation.

The RERA has legislation that would restrict used electronics that are not fully functional or electronics that have not been tested. It also restricts the export of shredded electronics containing certain toxic chemicals and metals. The bill would also require importing countries to first give their consent before receiving any exempted imports and it also promises to create a research program for improving technology and capacity for recovering and recycling Rare Earth materials.

By putting more responsibility on U.S. recyclers, the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act also has the potential to create tens of thousands of new jobs as this industry is needed in every region in the country. In fact, the process of recycling electronics responsibly has been shown to create seven new jobs for everyone in the broker/exporter trade.

For No-Export E-Waste Recycling, Contact Liquid Technology

Liquid Technology’s electronics and computer recycling services already adhere to the standards outlined under the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act. We have strict no-export and no-prison labor policies and all of our services are compliant and secure. We are ISO 14001 Certified, an e-Stewards Enterprise, and a member of NAID and we recently joined the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling in an effort to help raise awareness and support for the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act.

If you are looking for responsible, affordable, and professional e-waste recycling services, contact Liquid Technology today at 800-797-5478.