By Susan Jarvis
November 3, 2003

By the year 2010, 3 billion consumer electronics, including 1 billion computers, will be scrapped, creating a host of new recycling challenges. Clare Lindsay, Project Director, Extended Producer Responsibility for EPA's Office of Solid Waste, Pat Nathan, Senior Executive for the Environment, Dell Corporation and Willie Rhodes, Director, Solid Waste Services for Austin (TX), explored some of the challenges and identified best practices in e-cycling.

Lindsay outlined EPA's innovative programs, aimed at increasing consumer awareness about e-recycling, facilitating a dialogue about extended producer responsibility and encouraging green design and purchasing. The "Plug-In to eCycling" campaign is designed to increase the number of used electronics safely collected and recycled nationwide. Communities and corporations are encouraged to partner for successful take-back events.

Dell Corporation is partnering with EPA in the "Plug-In to eCycling" initiative and has developed an easy way for consumers to recycle their computers on-line. Pat Nathan of Dell believes convenience is key. "The customers appreciate how easy it is for them to do the right thing." While Dell's take-back programs have been successful, more education and awareness are needed. Nathan believes we have only "scratched the surface" when it comes to e-cycling.

Rhodes and the city of Austin have held two successful recycling events. "As the life span of electronics shrinks," said Rhodes, "the need for electronics recycling increases." Consumers are looking to the cities to lead the effort, concluded Rhodes.

For more information about E-Recycling, logon to usmayors.org/mwma.