By Derrick L. Coley
December 9, 2002

MWMA continues to facilitate dialogue about and develop solutions for shared responsibility initiatives. At the Fall Summit, the recycling challenges presented by electronics and mercury was discussed in depth. Holly Evans shared the Electronics Industries Alliance's work to limit the environmental impacts of electronic products during their life cycle by analyzing design, use and end of life processes. Kevin McCarthy, Director of Electronics for Waste Management shared their comprehensive "e-cycling" strategy for electronic equipment, including televisions and computers.

Ric Erdheim, Senior Manager, Governmental Affairs for the National Electronics Manufacturers Association, discussed the electrical sector's efforts to foster shared responsibility. The three major electrical component manufacturers were concerned about mercury switch thermostats being disposed improperly and established the Thermostat Recovery Corporation (TRC). The manufacturers agreed to create a program that included paying for transportation and mercury recovery costs, even though recovered mercury has no value.

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