The United States is one of the only countries still exporting e-Waste to developing countries. The U.S. signed the Basel Convention but has yet to ratify it. The Basel Convention is an international treaty created to prevent the trade of hazardous waste between nations. BAN (Basel Action Network) is petitioning President Obama to change the U.S. e-Waste policies.

BAN Startling e-Waste Discovery

BAN started the e-Trash Transparency Project to collect data on the e-Waste recycling process. BAN’s project uncovered some startling results. 40% of America’s e-waste is shipped overseas. Not restricting e-Waste policies can be dangerous. Many of the facilities dismantling these devices are not regulated, so they do not follow standard protocols for safety. This problem makes the working conditions unsafe for the facility workers. A separate report, released by the Armed Services Committee, found that criminals use e-Waste to create counterfeit parts. Some of these counterfeit parts were in planes, hospital equipment, trains, and military equipment. If any of these parts malfunction the effects can be deadly.

A Presidential Petition

If Obama signs the executive order it would force the federal government to properly manage their own e-Waste. This will send a huge message to the fake “e-Waste recyclers” in the United States who use developing countries as their dumping grounds. The executive order will keep us safe from counterfeit parts and ultimately help the environment.

How Can You Help?

BAN hopes the petition will reach 10,000 signatures. They are close to reaching their goal. To sign BAN’s petition, visit change.org.