An astonishing amount of obsolete computers and electronics are piling up. These machines contain an array of toxic materials, including lead, mercury, and brominated flame-retardants. Several of these chemicals (similar in structure to PCBs) are showing up in high levels in mother's milk in the US. Currently most of this e-waste is destined for landfills or incinerated in the US or developing countries. A recent CBS 60 Minutes investigative report documented this shocking practice:

The solution is to make producers take back and recycle their obsolete products. Producer takeback means there is a built-in incentive to make electronics that are more recyclable, last longer, and use less toxic material. TCE is currently working with the National Electronics TakeBack Coalition (ETBC) to pressure federal lawmakers and electronics manufacturers to end the shameful and harmful practice of exporting e-waste overseas -- click here to take action.

In 2007, after five years of pressure from TCE and our supporters, Texas passed an Electronics TakeBack Law (HB 2714) that requires the producers provide consumers with convenient and responsible recycling for their obsolete computers. Now, all computer manufacturers selling products in Texas must offer free recycling! For a full list of the manufacturer recycling programs, visit www.texasrecyclescomputers.org.

TCE and ETBC are also working to ensure that TV manufacturers begin offering free, convenient, responsible recycling for obsolete televisions. So far, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG/Zenith, Sharp, Toshiba, Best Buy and Wal-Mart have started free recycling programs. To find out how to recycle your old TV, click here.

 

Governor Perry replies to your letters   (TCE)

Green Tech Gone Fake   (Business Week)

Silicon Sweatshops: Another black eye for Apple supplier   (GlobalPost)