The E-Scrap Action Program: Working Together to Find Electronics Management Solutions for Indiana

摘要

The Indiana Recycling Coalition (IRC), through the E-Scrap Action Program (ESAP), is bringing together key stakeholder organizations to develop a statewide strategy for managing end-of-life electronics (e-scrap). These stakeholders represent local, state, and federal government; small and large businesses who are generating electronic scrap; original equipment manufacturers; retailers; environmental groups; and reuse and recycling organizations. Through research of existing and proposed methods and options for e-scrap management and discussions with stakeholders, IRC plans to create cost-effective, consensus-based solutions for Indiana. Through March 2004, five stakeholder meetings have been held. The main purpose of the meetings thus far has been to present background information on issues regarding e-scrap, including current pathways for e-scrap management, current and pending legislation, and other states' approaches to managing e-scrap. In addition, the group has identified four topics for additional research and discussion: public education, funding mechanisms, landfill bans, and prison partnership opportunities. At the end of the project IRC will produce a toolkit outlining current e-scrap management opportunities in Indiana and in other states, as well as recommendations for best management practices for Indiana. The toolkit and the best management practices will focus on the complete waste management hierarchy of waste prevention, reuse, recycling and proper disposal. They will be presented to local government representatives, small and large businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in seminars to be held in four geographic areas of the state. ESAP is a work in progress; the core projects are scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2005. Other activities including specialized workshops and a public education campaign will be developed and implemented as needs are identified and as funding is available.