producer takeback: recycling for the 21st century

TCE Fund and its partners advocate Producer TakeBack Recycling to make brand name electronics manufacturers are responsible for their products when they become obsolete. This represents a fundamental shift in the way waste is conceived of and handled in the U.S., both for municipalities and manufacturers. This approach also creates many immediate and future benefits both in the U.S. and in the developing world.

Our goal is to create a system in which products are designed to be recycled by having producers responsible for the end of life of their goods. With producer takeback, manufacturers are competing on the basis of how efficiently their products can be recycled, not just how efficiently they can be produced and marketed. These products should be designed so they are infinitely recyclable or compostable. This approach is often called "Cradle to Cradle," in contrast to the typical solid waste management approach of "Cradle to Grave."
Solutions for today, vision for tomorrow

In the near-term, this will better address the need to keep toxic e-waste out of landfills, incinerators, and illegal dumps at home and abroad. Producers, through their innovative marketing, extensive distribution, and existing relationship with consumers, are well positioned to provide convenient recycling options and recover large percentages of their e-waste. Also, shifting the financial burden for recycling e-waste from local governments and taxpayers to the manufacturers will make more resources available for municipalities to use on important services and functions for residents.

In the long-term, making electronics companies financially responsible for recycling will give them a bottom line incentive to redesign their products with fewer toxins, and drive down recovery and recycling costs. Making producers responsible will lead to more sustainable product design and a reduction of waste generated because of the cost benefits these changes will give producers. This approach uses market forces to create a more sustainable, less polluting high-tech industry.

Producer takeback gaining momentum

The Producer TakeBack system is gaining popularity at home and abroad. Many electronics companies such as Dell, HP and Sony are supporting Producer TakeBack policies and providing recycling options for their old and obsolete products. In addition to the European Union, Japan, Taiwan and South Korean, 20 states in the U.S. have passed Producer TakeBack legislation. Texas is the most populous U.S. state to pass such legislation. All companies selling computers in Texas are now required to offer free and convenient recycling options for their consumers.

TVs need recycling too!

Unfortunately, TV producers have historically opposed Producer TakeBack Recycling policies in the U.S., and have been slower to offer recycling options for consumers than computer and cell phone companies. The Texas legislation does not cover most TVs, and until recently there were no major TV producers offering recycling programs. Most continue to lobby against Producer TakeBack initiatives.

In September of 2007, after pressure from ETBC and other Producer TakeBack advocates, Sony became the first major TV manufacturer to offer free takeback and recycling for all their products. Samsung, LG/Zenith, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba and Mitsubishi have followed suit. Through consumer pressure and grassroots organizing, TCE Fund is currently working to shift the stance of more companies in the industry. 
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