The problematic poser: who should pay for e-waste disposal

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Who should pay for e-waste disposal?

By Vanessa Ko | December 7, 2011, 2:22 AM PST

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HONG KONG — Hong Kong will soon have a facility designated for dismantling and recycling electronic products such as televisions, refrigerators and computers.

A tax will be added to the price tags of electronic products to help pay for e-waste disposal. Based on a similar tax in other cities, the cost of home appliances is expected to go up by $12 to $30.

The question now is whether consumers should pay for all of the recycling costs. Some argue that retailers and manufacturers should pay for part of it to hold accountable all involved parties.

The current proposal places the recycling fee at the retail level, and it is likely that retailers will simply charge the extra cost to consumers. This type of legislation “is not really the spirit of producer responsibility” as intended by the legislation, said Edwin Lau, general affairs director of Friends of the Earth in Hong Kong.

Lau said in over 30 jurisdictions around the world, the e-waste fee is charged to the importer, as electronic products are frequently manufactured overseas.

“Of course producers have the responsibility to contribute a small part of their earning to the annual operation cost of the e-waste recycling plant that will have our e-waste properly dismantled and recycled and reused,” Lau said.

In California, there is a $10 fee added to the price of electronic products with viewable screens, but retailers may choose to pay the fee on behalf of the consumer to make its prices more competitive. Several other U.S. states charge e-waste recycling fees to manufacturers.

Right now, about 80% of Hong Kong’s e-waste is exported to other cities and countries. Many of these areas are poor and use polluting processes that are harmful to the workers’ health. “It’s not environmentally responsible,” Lau said, “and it’s not ethical.”

Photo: Vanessa Ko

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About Vanessa Ko

Vanessa Ko is a Hong Kong correspondent for SmartPlanet.

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E-Waste Recycling

Australia's Leading E-Waste Recycling Partnership Established

Industry funded, competitive and environmentally focused

The National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme received an unprecedented boost with the announcement a new industry-led partnership.

The ANZRP (Australian and New Zealand Recycling Platform), in association with Infoactiv Group have launched a unique partnership to build and implement the industry-leading model for recycling end-of-life (EoL) TVs and computers.

The service will be rolled out across Australia commencing early 2012, and will be free of charge to the public at designated collection points.

ANZRP will be seeking early approval from the Australian Government to become an Arrangement Administrator under the Product Stewardship Act and subordinate regulations.

The proposed Arrangement and ‘product stewardship organisation’ will be open to all liable parties under the regulations. It will represent a robust and competitive approach while also aiming to be the most environmentally sound ewaste service in Australia.

The PSO welcomes all liable parties to make contact and be part of the industry-leading solution.

Comprising manufacturers, brands and importers of computer and TV equipment, the ANZRP will be the authoritative voice of industry and ensure that community expectations and environmental outcomes are firmly placed at the centre of a national ewaste recycling service.

As Australia’s leading ewaste management and logistics firm, Infoactiv Group will manage and deliver all operational aspects of the service, from collection and transport through to equipment disassembly, recycling and community education. Infoactiv will also coordinate designated collection sites and community recycling events across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia.

The formal collaboration between ANZRP and Infoactiv will translate into a truly national service. In practical terms, this means that the public will benefit from a user-friendly recycling program that is underpinned by strong environmental, health and safety requirements.

Infoactiv Group has extensive Australian and international experience in operating successful ewaste collection and recycling programs for IT equipment, consumer electronics and mobile phones. Their current experience in Australia is unmatched and already diverts thousands of tonnes of ewaste from landfills.

The announcement during National Recycling Week underscores the computer and consumer electronics industry’s commitment to building a successful ewaste-recycling scheme that is national, community oriented and environmentally sound.

This unique partnership is exceptionally good news for the community, the environment and liable parties wanting to be part of the industry-leading computer and TV recycling program.

Liable parties, manufacturers, brands and interested stakeholders are encouraged to make contact with ANZRP or Infoactiv Group.:

Helen Jarman – Managing Director, Infoactiv Group, Mobile: 0410 555 671

Carmel Dollisson – General Manager, Australian & New Zealand Recycling Platform, Mobile: 0418 360 057

Further Reading:

National  Television and Computer Recycling Scheme