Texas Campaign for the Environment: News
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TCE Fund May 11, 2010
Making TakeBack Work: First year results of the Computer TakeBack Law and how Texas can do better
TCE March 3, 2010
Governor Perry replies to your letters
Governor Perry replies to a TCE supporter’s letter to his campaign office. Read his reply and TCE's response here.
TCE February 15, 2010
Bill White replies to your letters
Bill White replies to a TCE supporter’s letter to his campaign office. Read his reply and TCE's response here.
TCE February 15, 2010
Kay Bailey Hutchinson replies to your letters
Senator Hutchinson replies to a TCE supporter’s letter to her campaign office. Read her reply and TCE's response here.
TCE press release January 14, 2010
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 December 30, 2009
2009 was a good year for TCE...and for all Texans who envision a more sustainable future. Thanks to our members and allies, we made significant headway on a number of important trash and recycling issues. Along the way, we also helped secure the appointment of a strong environmental advocate to lead our EPA region and the passage of a constitutional amendment that protects our treasured Texas coastal areas. We cannot thank YOU, our valued grassroots supporters, enough for making this work possible. As always, these victories are yours.
Click here to see TCE's Top 5 victories from 2009
Then...help make 2010 an even better year: Donate now
TCE/PRW November 17, 2009
Most Local Governments Leave Texans in the Dark on Producer Recycling Options
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 and other byproducts of the digital age.
TCE November 5, 2009
Environmental Groups Applaud EPA Choice
Environmental advocates across several states are applauding the Obama Administration’s choice of Dr. Al Armendariz to lead Region 6 of the Environmental Protection Agency. Indeed, many within the environmental community see appointment of Armendariz as indicative of a new approach for the regional EPA.
TCE June 30, 2009
Community Leaders from Across Texas Pledge Go Public with Campaign Against Candidacy of Polluter Lobbyist John Hall to Head Regional EPA Office
Environmental advocates joined together to send a message to the Obama Administration that there is strong opposition to the candidacy of John Hall to head the Regional Office of the EPA. Hall made a series of controversial decisions while heading the Texas environmental agency -- and after leaving the agency, Hall has earned at least $3 million dollars lobbying for polluters.
TCE June 19, 2009
Governor Perry's Veto of TV Recycling Measure Draws Criticism
Environmental advocates and the author of the TV Recycling Bill blasted Governor Perry's veto of the TV recycling measure.
TCE May 27, 2009
Texas Legislature Overwhelmingly Passes Bill for TV Recycling
Texas landfills and waterways could gain a reprieve from a potential avalanche of old televisions following the DTV switch, according to environmental advocates and state lawmakers who are lauding the passage of a bill that requires TV manufacturers to provide Texas residents with free and convenient recycling for their used TVs.
Texas Campaign for the Environment April 22, 2009
Elected Representatives and Non-Profit Advocates Call for Producer TakeBack Law to Provide Free and Convenient TV Recycling
A broad spectrum of Texans came together on Earth Day at the State Capitol to urge for the passage of state legislation that requires TV makers to provide free and convenient recycling for old televisions.
Texas Campaign for the Environment April 21, 2009
Environmental Group Withdrawing from Local Earth Day Event Over Concerns with Fate of Electronics to be Recycled
Celebrating Earth Day by recycling an old computer, TV or other obsolete electronic equipment? According to a local environmental group, some "e-waste recycling" companies are actually exporting toxic electronics to developing countries where they are dumped or burned and are poisoning entire villages.
TCE February 5, 2009
Environmental group sees more recycling opportunities in delay of digital switch
Congress has passed legislation to delay the switch to digital television signals until June 12, 2009, which President Obama is soon expected to sign into law. Texas Campaign for the Campaign for the Environment sees the delay in the digital switch as a valuable opportunity to prevent more TVs that are made obsolete by the switch from ending up in landfills in Texas or dumps worldwide.
TCE January 16, 2009
TCE statement on Austin Cuty Council support for the Zero Waste Plan
Texas Campaign for the Environment is very glad that the Austin City Council voted unanimously today to approve the Austin Zero Waste Strategic Plan as a policy directive to achieve Zero Waste (or darn close to it) by 2040. Austin became the first city to embrace a plan for Zero Waste, but it cannot be the last.
TCE January 15, 2009
City of Austin Becomes First Texas City to Approve a Zero Waste Plan
Central Texans from a variety of communities and walks of life gathered to announce the formation of the Central Texas Zero Waste Alliance at Austin City Hall and to demonstrate their commitment to organizing the region to realize the goal of Zero Waste or Darn Close by 2040.
ETBC September 17, 2008
GAO Releases New Report on Toxic E-Waste Export
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report on electronic waste today during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment. Texas Campaign for the Environment, the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a national coalition of environmental and consumer groups promoting responsible recycling and green design in the electronics industry, applauded the report, hailing it as the U.S. government’s first comprehensive look at the magnitude of the problem of exporting toxic e-waste to developing nations.
TCE September 2, 2008
TCE Statement on Start Up of Computer TakeBack Recycling Law
Why doesn’t your town need to recycle computers anymore? Because the computer makers have to recycle them now.
TCE September 1, 2008
Computer-makers Now Required to Provide Free & Convenient Recycling
Dell, Goodwill, local government leaders and a statewide environmental group gathered to alert consumers to the range of recycling options now that computer-makers are responsible for the end of life of their brand’s computers, monitors, keyboards and mice.
TCE August 27, 2008
Activists Give Waste Management a “Dishonorable Mention” at Protest
Landfill neighbors and environmental activists gathered at the Austin to protest outside the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards dinner where Waste Management was a finalist for an Environmental Award.
TCE August 7, 2008
Samsung Losing Race to TV Recycling
Texas Campaign for the Environment activists dressed as Olympic athletes set up their own Olympics awards ceremony outside the Samsung semiconductor plant in Austin to give medals to Samsung competitors Sony and LG. Samsung, an Olympics sponsor, did not receive any medals because they have so far failed to offer free nationwide recycling of their TVs and other products.
TCE August 1, 2008
LG Launches New National Free Electronics Recycling Program
Texas Campaign for the Environment and other members of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition praised LG Electronics for its announcement that the manufacturer would begin offering a free, nationwide recycling program for its old unwanted or obsolete products, including old TVs.
TCE July 31, 2008
House of Representatives Considers Resolution to “Ban the Export of Toxic E-Waste to Developing Nations”
Leaders of a campaign to protect the public from toxic chemicals in electronics applauded U.S. Representative Gene Green (D-TX), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, for introducing a congressional resolution today (H.Res.1395) that calls for the U.S. to join other nations in banning the export of toxic e-waste to developing countries.
TCE May 21, 2008
Legislators, Advocates Say Weak E-Waste Standards Fail to Ensure Responsible Recycling
Recycling activists and state legislators expressed disappointment in the final rules adopted by the state environmental agency (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ) for the Texas Computer TakeBack Law. While environmental leaders were pleased that the agency did strengthen the rules originally proposed, they say the standards for responsible recycling remain weak and fail to address the dumping of electronic waste on developing countries around the world.
TCE May 20, 2008
State Environmental Agency to Vote on Rules for Electronic Waste Recycling
On Wednesday May 21, the Texas environmental agency will meet in Austin to vote on final guidelines to implement the new Electronics TakeBack Recycling legislation. State legislators and recycling advocates say that while the proposed rules are good in some areas, they don’t do enough to ensure that the manufacturers will provide environmentally responsible recycling programs for Texans.
TCE May 20, 2008
Unusual Display of Support for Electronic Waste Recycling Unveiled
In a room covered wall to wall and floor to ceiling with the signatures of thousands of North Texans—and with tens of thousands more overflowing throughout the space—environmental advocates called on the state environmental agency to adopt standards that would prevent old computers from being dumped on developing countries.
TCE April 21, 2008
Challenge Central Texans to Join Race to Zero Waste or Darn Close
Remarks of Robin Schneider, Executive Director, Texas Campaign for the Environment It’s time to take recycling to a whole new level. It’s time for companies to design products and packaging for recycling. It’s time for local governments to put the emphasis on setting goals for Zero Waste. It’s time to stop trashing our natural resources and instead create jobs and healthier communities by reusing and recycling on a much higher rate.
TCE April 4, 2008
TCE Lauds Austin City Council for Dropping Webberville Landfill
I commend the Austin City Council for dropping plans to do further environmental studies on the Webberville tract for a landfill.
TCE April 2, 2008
State Environmental Agency Extends its Deadline to Consider Incorporating Stronger Environmental Standards for Electronic Waste Recycling
Environmental leaders were pleased that the three commissioners of the state environmental agency did not approve the rules for the state’s electronics recycling law and instead voted at a hearing today to take more public comment on putting in place mandatory standards on responsible recycling.
TCE April 1, 2008
TCE Grades State Agency on Electronic Waste Recycling
TCE activists unveiled an over-sized “Responsible Recycling Mid-Term Report Card” to the state environmental agency on its proposed guidelines for implementing the new Computer TakeBack Recycling Law.
TCE March 18, 2008
Robin Schneider's Remarks on Proposal to Study a Landfill in Webberville
The question before our region is:
Are we going to get serious about waste prevention or prepare for more over-wasting? Especially when we are making plans for a serious climate protection plan and landfills are the largest human-made source of methane – a greenhouse gas at least 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
TCE February 18, 2008
“Day of the Walking Dead TVs” Highlights Looming Digital TV Switch
Environmental activists and concerned citizens in Texas and throughout the country took to the streets for the “Day of the Walking Dead TVs” to highlight the imminent flood of lead, cadmium, beryllium and other toxins from millions of televisions making their way to landfills and incinerators after February 17, 2009.
Texas Campaign for the Environment February 13, 2008
TCE Applauds Texas Environmental Agency Decision to Deny Port Arthur Permission to Use Toxic Waste to Cover its Landfill
Texas Campaign for the Environment is very glad that the Commissioners of the state environmental agency voted unanimously to deny the City of Port Arthur permission to cover its landfill with toxic waste.
TCE February 1, 2008
Activists Press Samsung to Kick-off TV Recycling
Austin TX – Texas Campaign for the Environment activists dressed in football uniforms and cheerleading outfits staged a press conference outside Samsung’s chip plant to call on the company to “Kick Off TV Recycling” and ”Be an Environmental Patriot Not a Giant Polluter” They chanted, “Take ‘em Back, Take ‘em Back, All Back.”
TCE December 6, 2007
Advocates Encouraged by State Environmental Agency Decision to Seek Broader Input on Guidelines for Upcoming Electronic Waste Recycling Program
Electronics recyclers, local government and environmental leaders gathered at the headquarters of the state environmental agency to call for strong environmental guidelines for the new recycling programs that electronics producers will have to set up to comply with a new Texas law. In response, the three TCEQ Commissioners voted to invite broad comments so that they can consider alternatives that would strengthen the proposed guidelines.
TCE Press Release August 28, 2007
Rejection of Flawed Landfill Contract by Williamson County Commissioners Lauded
Georgetown – Williamson County Commissioners tabled indefinitely a revised contract with Waste Management today after three of the five County Commissioners (Valerie Covey, Cynthia Long and Ron Morrison) expressed opposition to the proposed language.
TCE August 7, 2007
Williamson County Residents, Citizen Groups Oppose Controversial Landfill Contract
Many residents, groups and organizations arrived at Tuesday’s Williamson County Commissioners Court hearing to oppose a new contract and expansion of the county landfill.
TCE July 11, 2007
Coalition Emerges to Address Critical Williamson County Landfill Issues
A growing coalition of organizations and individuals called “A Better Wilco” has emerged in an effort to encourage
TCE June 17, 2007
TCE Applauds Gov. Perry for Signing the Texas Computer TakeBack Bill
We are thrilled that Governor Perry has made Texas the seventh state in the nation, and fourth in less than two months, to enact a law holding computer companies accountable for taking back their old products for recycling and disposal,” said Robin Schneider, Executive Director of Texas Campaign for the Environment, which has been working on the electronic waste issue since 2002.
TCE May 31, 2007
Activists Deliver Letters and Over-sized Pen with Message for Governor Perry to Sign the Computer TakeBack Legislation
More than a dozen environmental activists with a “No to Trashing E-Waste” display and a gigantic signing pen rallied at the Governor’s Mansion today. They proceeded to march to the Capitol to deliver letters from Texans calling on Governor Perry to support the Texas Computer TakeBack Bill (HB 2714) and advocate for TV recycling legislation in 2009.
TCE May 25, 2007
Electronics Recycling Bill Clears the Texas State Legislature without A Dissenting Vote
Bill Would Require Computer Producers to Be Responsible for Recycling Their Products
The Texas State Legislature passed HB 2714 (Bonnen) today when the Texas House of Representatives voted to concur with amendments made in the Texas Senate.
TCE May 24, 2007
TCE Statement at Public Meeting on Proposed Expansion of NE Travis County BFI Landfill
Statement of Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Robin Schneider at the Public Meeting on the Expansion of the BFI Sunset Farms Landfill in Northeast Travis County
May 24, 2007
TCE May 22, 2007
Gauntlet of TV-bearing Activists to Urge Housemembers to Press for TV Recycling
Digital TV Transition to Create an Avalanche of Obsolete TVs in Feb. 2009
More than a dozen environmental activists carrying TVs will form a gauntlet at the entrance to the floor of the Texas House of Representatives to encourage House members to request that State Rep. Dennis Bonnen include TVs in his electronic waste recycling bill. Currently, House Bill 2714 covers computers, monitors and laptops.
Computer TakeBack Campaign May 2, 2007
Steve Jobs Issues Statement on Apple’s Environmental Commitments
Environmentalists Applaud Gains on Materials, But Challenge Claims on Export
Just a week before Apple’s annual meeting – where shareholders will vote on two shareholder-sponsored resolutions pushing Apple to do better on e-waste recycling and green product design – Steve Jobs issued a statement today about Apple’s environmental record and future plans.
TCE April 26, 2007
Electronics Recycling Bill Passes Key Senate Committee Unanimously
Bill Would Require Computer Producers to Be Responsible for Recycling Their Products
The Senate Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously today to pass Senate Bill 1364 (Watson D-Austin). The bill would require computer makers to provide consumers with convenient and free recycling.
TCE April 11, 2007
“Old Computers and TVs Should Meet Their Makers,” Says Broad Alliance of Recyclers, Cities and Environmental Groups
Electronics recyclers, local government officials and environmental leaders gathered on the steps of the State Capitol and called for passage of legislation to require computer and television makers to provide consumers with convenient and free recycling.
Computer TakeBack Campaign February 27, 2007
States Take on E-Waste Problem
Bills to solve the problem of what do to with the mounting piles of electronic waste are already under consideration in 21 state legislatures, plus the city of New York.
TCE January 15, 2007
Dell's progress sparked by grassroots activism
The Statesman editorial “Dell gets even greener” extolled Dell’s producer takeback recycling programs and its offer to partner with consumers to plant trees to offset carbon emissions from using Dell products. The kudos are deserved. However, the Statesman’s failed to credit the grassroots efforts that focused Dell’s attention on its environmental responsibilities.
TCE October 26, 2006
Landfill Neighbors, Civic Leaders, Citizens and Homeowners Groups Begin Battle on Proposed Williamson County Landfill Expansion
Several individual property owners, a civic organization, a homeowners association and two local citizens’ groups representing many local residents entered into a legal battle today to oppose the state environmental agency’s approval of the permit application to expand the Williamson County landfill operated by Waste Management.
TCE October 7, 2006
Two New Books Expose Health and Environmental Hazards of High Tech
Two books published in 2006 detail the underside of the global high tech revolution. One book features a chapter on the Dell Campaign and TCE's role in the campaign that won Dell over to embrace producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
TCE October 3, 2006
Kyle City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution on Producer TakeBack Recycling
Vote Makes Kyle the First City in Hays County and the 3rd in Texas to Pass E-waste Resolution
The Kyle City Council became the first city in Hays County and the third city in Texas to unanimously pass a resolution in favor of producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
TCE September 11, 2006
Plano City Council Votes Unanimously to Pass an E-waste Resolution
The City of Plano became the first city in North Texas to pass a resolution in favor of producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
CTBC June 28, 2006
Environmentalists Applaud Dell’s Recycling Advances
The Computer TakeBack Campaign applauds Dell’s announcement today that they will become the first company in the world to provide consumers with free electronics recycling globally. Previously, Dell offered free takeback of their products only with purchase of a new computer or monitor, and only in certain countries. This marks a significant expansion of Dell’s recycling program and sets the standard for the rest of the electronics industry.
TCE June 14, 2006
Georgetown City Council Passes Resolution on Producer TakeBack Recycling
Unanimous Vote Makes Georgetown the First City in Texas to Pass E-waste Resolution
The Georgetown City Council became the first city in Texas to pass a resolution in favor of producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
TCE June 13, 2006
TCE Statement in Support of Georgetown Resolution on Producer TakeBack Recycling of Electronics
In the U.S., more people recycle than vote. However, when it comes to electronic waste recycling, there are many pitfalls.
TCE May 3, 2006
Electronic Waste Art with a Message Unveiled at World Congress on Information Technology
Advocates Send Message: Producer Takeback Recycling for E-waste that Doesn’t Become Art
Texas Campaign for the Environment and Austin Green Art have collaborated to present a striking art piece made from electronic waste. The lizard-like figure with a globe-head decorated with pieces of electronic waste will remind delegates attending the gala dinner at the World Congress on Information Technology that the digital age has resulted in more than a billion pounds of electronic waste. The art piece comes with a message:
“Not all electronic waste will become art…For the rest, there should be producer takeback recycling.”
TCE/CTBC April 21, 2006
Apple Responds to Pressure from Consumers on Recycling
Apple Computer today announced that it will offer free takeback and recycling of old computers to consumers who buy new Macs at Apple stores or through their online store.
TCE March 24, 2006
Washington Governor to Sign Landmark Electronic Waste Recycling Bill
Washington Governor, Christine Gregoire, will sign into law the most comprehensive electronic waste recycling bill in the country. The bill requires electronics manufacturers to pay for the collection, transportation, and recycling of computers, monitors, and TVs from consumers, small business, schools, small governments, and charities in the State. This is a dramatic shift from what was previously a consumer and taxpayer financial burden.
TCE January 18, 2006
Texans Call for Strong Safeguards on Super-Sized Landfills
State Environmental Agency Can Do Better to Protect Water and Air Quality
Environmental leaders and landfill neighbors called on the three Commissioners of the state environmental agency to strengthen the standards for trash dumps when they consider new rules on February 1st.
December 20, 2005
Controversial Trash Panel Appointee Resigns after TCE Exposes Conflict of Interest
James McQuaid a recent appointee to one of only two “general public” slots has resigned from the Municipal Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Advisory Council under pressure from Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE).
December 14, 2005
Environmental Leader Calls for Resignation or Removal of Newly Appointed Waste Advisory Council
Council to Play Key Review Role of Key Trash Rules in the Next Six Weeks Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director called for the resignation or removal of James McQuaid from the Municipal Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Advisory Council, which is set up to advise the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on trash and recycling issues.
November 8, 2005
Texas Campaign for the Environment Shares Business Ethics Network BENNY Award
TCE Press Release October 24, 2005
High-Tech Toxic Trash Exported to Africa from Texas. USA and Europe Creating a Digital Dump from Re-Use and Repair Trade
Texas Campaign for the Environment released the findings of a new investigation by the toxic trade watchdog organization, Basel Action Network. The study reveals that large quantities of obsolete computers, televisions, mobile phones, and other used electronic equipment are exported from the USA and Europe to Lagos, Nigeria for “re-use and repair” are ending up gathering dust in warehouses or being dumped and burned near residences in empty lots, roadsides and in swamps creating serious health and environmental contamination from the toxic leachate and smoke.
September 6, 2005
U.S. E-Waste Polluting Communities Abroad New Report Underscores Need for Legislative Solutions, TCE Brings Ewaste to Apple
Activists in Dallas and Austin responded to a new report released today documents for the first time the extent of toxic contamination from obsolete computers, televisions, and other gadgets that have been shipped overseas by U.S. recyclers.
August 13, 2005
Landfill Neighbors to Hang Large Banner to Opposing BFI Expansion Contract
TCE and Travis County activists to hang a huge banner across the street from BFI landfill which might be expanded another 75 foot higher.
TCE Press Release: August 12, 2005
Residents & Environmental Activists to State Concerns & Opposition to Massive Expansion of Williamson County Landfill at Public Meeting
Landfill neighbors and environmental activists will speak out at a public meeting to discuss the proposed massive expansion at the Williamson County landfill operated by Waste Management.
August 8, 2005
Environmental Leaders Urge County Officials to Reject Proposed Expansion Contract with BFI, Proposed Contract will Allow BFI to Expand Above the Height of Mt. Bonnell
Environmental leaders will press the Travis County Commissioners Court to reject the proposed contract with BFI and instead write a contract for relocation of the landfills.
