Managing Electronic Waste: Issues with Exporting E-Waste

Luther, Linda

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Technology;    Electronics;    Business;    Electronics industry;    Computers;   

RP-ID  :  R40850
RP-ID  :  R40850_2010Sep27

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a term that is used loosely to refer to obsolete, broken, or irreparable electronic devices like televisions, computer central processing units (CPUs), and computer monitors. There are various issues of concern with regard to e-waste disposal and recycling. This report looks at issues specifically related to its export for recycling. Particularly, it discusses documented impacts to human health and the environment that have been tied to unsafe recycling practices in developing countries, as well as issues that have motivated certain stakeholders to divert e-waste from landfill disposal and, hence, increase recycling. It also provides an overview of various factors necessary to understand why e-waste disposal has become a concern in the United States, and it also discusses waste management requirements in the United States.