E-Waste (Forgot to post this a couple days ago)

Another issue within waste and sustainability that I was unaware of until a documentary presentation last semester was also acknowledged in Samantha MacBride's text; the issue of electronic waste, or e-waste. The documentary I was exposed to last semester is called "Terra Blight", this film highlighted the typically unseen realities and consequences of electronic waste and the externalities it has concerning third world societies. The trailer for the documentary (available on Youtube.com) notes that a typical computer monitor from the 1990's contains at least 48 pounds of lead. When these monitors are labeled to be waste (even though they are technically still of value) they are crushed by various sources, inevitably releasing this potent lead into water streams as runoff.

MacBride explores the battery component of e-waste in that Minnesota and New Jersey passed laws requiring battery manufacturers to fund re-collection or proper disposal programs of their products which contain hazardous toxins such as nickel and cadmium; Another example of mandated producer responsibility. MacBrides also notes that this state level legislation push led to a voluntary effort regarding the matter, the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association was formed to further encourage the proper recycling of these matters. MacBride continues to explain that State-level policies for requiring electronics manufacturers to manage computers and other e-waste items are in place in 23 U.S. states and are "the leading example of strong extended producer responsibility today" (MacBride 190).

An article on e-stewards.org explains how most of e-waste is generated in rich, already developed countries while as the electronics become outdated and "lose value" they tend to trickle down to poor, currently developing countries and societies. While this can be viewed to be beneficial because of the essential donation of technology that still holds value. These electronics are often near their breaking points once they reach these developing countries which leads to the improper disposal or improper recycling of these electronics as the poorer country cannot afford these methods. This in turn leads to the hazardous effects and negative externalities that result from the improper disposal of e-waste in this developing country, this is strongly supported by the "Terra Blight" documentary. The e-stewards article also mentions the idea of a boomerang effect when considering e-waste. Even though our e-waste may be sent to other countries which could lead others to an out of sight out of mind easing point. This article acknowledges that the boomerang effect can bring these waste right back to your doorstep. If we send our e-waste to China because of its value, it is likely that it would be placed in a landfill or incinerator there. Because much of our food supply from comes from China and we share the same atmosphere as China, just because it is disposed of there does not mean its effects will go unfelt by Americans.