MOVING SUSTAINABLE ELECTRONICS FORWARD:
An Update to the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship. Interagency Task Force on Electronics Stewardship. August 2014
Electronic devices and technologies continue to advance and increase in number. It is likely that our society will continue to incorporate these devices into our daily activities and that the number of electronic devices in our homes and offices will increase. Our growing reliance on electronics highlights the need to take a long-term sustainable approach towards electronics stewardship, both at work and at home. With the prevalence of electronics in mind, the federal government is committed to being a responsible consumer of electronics and a leader of electronics stewardship in the US. This report serves to increase the awareness of the importance of electronics stewardship and recognize the opportunities and challenges created by the exponential growth of electronics in the US. This report focuses on the major achievements under the NSES as of July 2014, as well as the impacts of improved electronics stewardship and the significance of upcoming commitments within the NSES.
This report is organized according to the goals established in the NSES:
1. Build Incentives for Design of Greener Electronics, and Enhance Science, Research and Technology Development in the United States;
2. Ensure that the Federal Government Leads By Example;
3. Increase Safe and Effective Management and Handling of Used Electronics in the United States; and,
4. Reduce Harm from US Exports of E-waste and Improve Safe Handling of Used Electronics in Developing Countries.
Under each goal, completed and upcoming key accomplishments are highlighted to demonstrate the variety of actions that have been and are being taken under the NSES to create a comprehensive strategy for electronics stewardship. While specific federal agencies are responsible for each action, most would not be accomplished without action by industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or other stakeholders. Recent accomplishments range from the increased number of green design standards and electronics devices that meet them to the expanding the number of third-party certified recyclers and the increased amount and quality of used electronics export information. These initiatives have benefited the environment, public health, and the economy.
While this report focuses on the actions the federal government is taking, it also discusses how the NSES has proven to be a catalyst for other efforts, providing examples of complementary efforts that will lead to an even greater impact on the safe and effective management of used electronics in the US. As efforts under the NSES continue to progress, the benefits will continue to extend beyond the federal community, including a stronger recycling industry; improved recycling practices and worker safety; increased safe recycling options; and improved electronic devices for all electronics users.(3)
For a full copy of the report see https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/moving_sustainable_electronics_forward.pdf