Illegal WEEE Exports from Europe Spark Debate
by Waste Management World
11 February 2011 – The problem of illegal e-waste exports to the developing world is a growing concern to the European Union, and there is much debate as to how to tackle it.
Speaking at the 10th International Electronics Recycling Congress (IERC 2011), Rosalinde Van der Vlies of the European Environment Directorate General, said that around 52% of the e-scrap arisings in the EU is not accounted for and is probably exported.
"Cost and opportunity combined are the drivers off illegal exports," Van der Vlies said.
One of the solutions could be to 'export' (global) standards and recycling technologies, according to Van der Vlies. Other approaches to tackle the e-scrap export problem could include the improvement of collection and reporting mechanisms and improved monitoring of compliance with legal obligations.
Eric Harris, Director Governmental and International Affairs of the US recycling association ISRI, said his organisation does not in principle object to e-scrap exports to, for instance African countries.
"These exports generate jobs and income for the people in Africa", he said.
Harris agreed with Van der Vlies that efforts should be made to bring recycling of e-scrap in developing countries to a higher and environmentally sound level. While condemning illegal or shame recycling practices.
Harris also reinforced the need to not criminalise legal trade and to ensure a competitive, global marketplace. ISRI policy supports trading with facilities that are legal and can demonstrate environmental and health and safety standards anywhere in the world.
However, enacting legislation is one thing, enforcing them is another, stated Klaus Willke of the urban development and environment agency of the city of Hamburg.
Willke said that it would be unjust to point to the port authorities in Europe as being responsible for the illegal exports of e-scrap. "We have a very small staff to carry out random checks of containers," he said, venturing that there was a large 'grey' market for e-waste beside the official EU WEEE management system.
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