E-waste poses a large and growing problem around the world. Americans generated 3.01 million tons of the stuff in 2007, according to the EPA. But only 13.6 percent of it was recycled. As e-waste recycling is subject to almost no oversight, some 50 to 80 percent of e-waste is, in fact, exported to developing countries, according to watchdog organizations. There, people often extract scrap metal, circuit boards, and other resalable materials without adequate protective material. In doing so, they’re potentially exposed hazardous materials — lead, mercury, and cadmium, among them. Read the full article here.
Find out where the candidates for Texas Governor stand!
Changes to city's recycling contract could save money
Video: The Austin City Council will consider extending its recycling contract with Greenstar this week. But not everyone thinks it's a good idea. Recycling advocates say extending the current contract is a bad risk for city tax payers. (KVUE News Austin)
Legislation introduced to ban toxic metal found in children's jewelry
On the heels of a new report showing that the toxic metal cadmium is being used in children’s jewelry sold in stores across the nation, several U.S. Senators have introduced legislation that will define cadmium as a banned hazardous substance.
This cadmium likely comes from e-waste! Read the report here.
TV Zombies Demand Secession (From Texas Landfills) at Republican Debate
The first debate in the Republican primary actually started a few minutes early when recycling advocates-turned-TV zombies descended on the debate site. (TCE press release)
Ten Million Texans in the Dark on E-Waste Recycling
A new report shows an overwhelming majority of cities in Texas fail to provide their residents with information about free manufacturer recycling programs for old computers, televisions, cell phones and other byproducts of the digital age.
Click here to read the study.
TCE and other environmental groups hail the appointment of Dr. Al Armendariz to head regional EPA office
Environmental advocates get what they asked for after pushing the Obama administration to appoint a strong leader to this important position. Click here to read the TCE press release.
More Americans recycle than vote, but in many Texas communities recycling is lagging in part because some landfill operators cut corners and undercut recycling programs. In addition, too few products are designed for recycling. Requiring manufacturers to take back their products at the end of their useful lives will provide a bottom line incentive to reduce toxins and design products for recycling. read more
