Issues in International Trade Law: Restricting Exports of Electronic Waste

Barbour, Emily C.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Solid wastes;    Electronics;    Hazardous waste disposal;   

RP-ID  :  R42373
RP-ID  :  R42373_2012Feb24

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a term that loosely refers to obsolete, broken, or irreparable electronic devices. Because e-waste is generated in high volumes in the United States and contains hazardous materials, it is a growing area of domestic concern. Currently, e-waste is essentially unregulated at the federal level and can be disposed of with common household garbage in municipal solid waste landfills or incinerators. Recently, momentum has developed for domestic legislation restricting U.S. e-waste exports. These restrictions could take many forms, including a partial or total ban on e-waste exports, an e-waste export licensing system, or a quota on e-waste exports. This report looks at how such legislation could affect and work with prior US disposal laws.