CAER – Coalition for American Electronics Recycling

Protecting American citizens, the military and public health is of great concern to the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling. The goal of this company is to support responsible electronics recycling and to promote the development of new legislation that protects the interests of American companies, the environment and the consumer.

Domestic Electronics Recycling

One of the primary methods of achieving the goals for the CAER and responsible electronics recycling companies is by increasing environmentally-friendly programs here in the US. In the past, many companies exported their e-waste rather than dealing with it.

CAER wants to require domestic recycling such as what companies like All Green Electronics Recycling is already doing. With increased legislation, it would prohibit companies from sending their e-waste to other countries, such as China.

The Issues of Exporting E-Waste

The major concern for this export is what other countries are doing with it. In many cases, they are reusing the components and building new electronics and equipment that are sold to the military, as well as transportation and telecommunications. When these components fail, they put people and entire communities at risk.

The government has already taken steps to check equipment and components to ensure they work accurately. However, CAER and its members say more action needs to be taken. The supply for these countries needs to be cut off by eliminating the export of e-waste altogether.

Additional Benefits of Responsible Recycling

Protecting the environment and those who use equipment made of recycled components is an essential part of the CAER’s focus. At the same time, many other benefits exist as well. Domestic recycling in a responsible manner creates new jobs. According to a study that was conducted by DSM Environmental Services, a change in policy would create 42,000 new jobs with almost a billion added to payroll.

Domestic recycling would increase data security which would reduce the problem of identity theft, data breaches and other cyber crimes. Thieves often access sensitive data from e-waste.

Quality products can be created at affordable prices, utilizing recycled components that are managed in a responsible manner. Changes in policy won’t affect exports of working products, only non-working components.

The Need for Legislative Action

Action by Congress is needed to make a difference. The first step is to stop the ability of companies to export e-waste. Currently, few limits exist in this area, which enables counterfeiters to have access to the components they need.

The goal is that all non-working or untested parts would be maintained within the United States for domestic recycling. Many legislators are unaware how responsible domestic recycling works even if they are knowledgeable about the dangers of exporting e-waste. Some have become strong advocates through the efforts of electronics recycling companies who have created a voice in the industry.

For change to take place, more needs to be done. Businesses must take a stand for increased legislation and let their Congressmen know their views. Electronics recycling centers must be willing to step up and do the responsible thing when handling these devices and discourage the export of e-waste. This subject is a matter of national importance and should not be taken lightly.

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