Texas Campaign for the Environment: News
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TCE April 21, 2008
Helps Challenges Central Texans to Join Race to Zero Waste or Darn Close
Remarks of Robin Schneider, Executive Director, Texas Campaign for the Environment
It’s time to take recycling to a whole new level.
It’s time for companies to design products and packaging for recycling.
It’s time for local governments to put the emphasis on setting goals for Zero Waste. It’s time to stop trashing our natural resources and instead create jobs and healthier communities by reusing and recycling on a much higher rate.
TCE April 4, 2008
TCE Lauds Austin City Council for Dropping Webberville Landfill
I commend the Austin City Council for dropping plans to do further environmental studies on the Webberville tract for a landfill.
TCE April 2, 2008
State Environmental Agency Extends its Deadline to Consider Incorporating Stronger Environmental Standards for Electronic Waste Recycling
Environmental leaders were pleased that the three commissioners of the state environmental agency did not approve the rules for the state’s electronics recycling law and instead voted at a hearing today to take more public comment on putting in place mandatory standards on responsible recycling.
TCE April 1, 2008
TCE Grades State Agency on Electronic Waste Recycling
TCE activists unveiled an over-sized “Responsible Recycling Mid-Term Report Card” to the state environmental agency on its proposed guidelines for implementing the new Computer TakeBack Recycling Law.
TCE March 18, 2008
Robin Schneider's Remarks on Proposal to Study a Landfill in Webberville
The question before our region is:
Are we going to get serious about waste prevention or prepare for more over-wasting? Especially when we are making plans for a serious climate protection plan and landfills are the largest human-made source of methane – a greenhouse gas at least 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
TCE February 18, 2008
“Day of the Walking Dead TVs” Highlights Looming Digital TV Switch
Environmental activists and concerned citizens in Texas and throughout the country took to the streets for the “Day of the Walking Dead TVs” to highlight the imminent flood of lead, cadmium, beryllium and other toxins from millions of televisions making their way to landfills and incinerators after February 17, 2009.
Texas Campaign for the Environment February 13, 2008
TCE Applauds Texas Environmental Agency Decision to Deny Port Arthur Permission to Use Toxic Waste to Cover its Landfill
Texas Campaign for the Environment is very glad that the Commissioners of the state environmental agency voted unanimously to deny the City of Port Arthur permission to cover its landfill with toxic waste.
TCE February 1, 2008
Activists Press Samsung to Kick-off TV Recycling
Austin TX – Texas Campaign for the Environment activists dressed in football uniforms and cheerleading outfits staged a press conference outside Samsung’s chip plant to call on the company to “Kick Off TV Recycling” and ”Be an Environmental Patriot Not a Giant Polluter” They chanted, “Take ‘em Back, Take ‘em Back, All Back.”
TCE December 6, 2007
Advocates Encouraged by State Environmental Agency Decision to Seek Broader Input on Guidelines for Upcoming Electronic Waste Recycling Program
Electronics recyclers, local government and environmental leaders gathered at the headquarters of the state environmental agency to call for strong environmental guidelines for the new recycling programs that electronics producers will have to set up to comply with a new Texas law. In response, the three TCEQ Commissioners voted to invite broad comments so that they can consider alternatives that would strengthen the proposed guidelines.
TCE Press Release August 28, 2007
Rejection of Flawed Landfill Contract by Williamson County Commissioners Lauded
Georgetown – Williamson County Commissioners tabled indefinitely a revised contract with Waste Management today after three of the five County Commissioners (Valerie Covey, Cynthia Long and Ron Morrison) expressed opposition to the proposed language.
TCE August 7, 2007
Williamson County Residents, Citizen Groups Oppose Controversial Landfill Contract
Many residents, groups and organizations arrived at Tuesday’s Williamson County Commissioners Court hearing to oppose a new contract and expansion of the county landfill.
TCE July 11, 2007
Coalition Emerges to Address Critical Williamson County Landfill Issues
A growing coalition of organizations and individuals called “A Better Wilco” has emerged in an effort to encourage
TCE June 17, 2007
TCE Applauds Gov. Perry for Signing the Texas Computer TakeBack Bill
We are thrilled that Governor Perry has made Texas the seventh state in the nation, and fourth in less than two months, to enact a law holding computer companies accountable for taking back their old products for recycling and disposal,” said Robin Schneider, Executive Director of Texas Campaign for the Environment, which has been working on the electronic waste issue since 2002.
TCE May 31, 2007
Activists Deliver Letters and Over-sized Pen with Message for Governor Perry to Sign the Computer TakeBack Legislation
More than a dozen environmental activists with a “No to Trashing E-Waste” display and a gigantic signing pen rallied at the Governor’s Mansion today. They proceeded to march to the Capitol to deliver letters from Texans calling on Governor Perry to support the Texas Computer TakeBack Bill (HB 2714) and advocate for TV recycling legislation in 2009.
TCE May 25, 2007
Electronics Recycling Bill Clears the Texas State Legislature without A Dissenting Vote
Bill Would Require Computer Producers to Be Responsible for Recycling Their Products
The Texas State Legislature passed HB 2714 (Bonnen) today when the Texas House of Representatives voted to concur with amendments made in the Texas Senate.
TCE May 24, 2007
TCE Statement at Public Meeting on Proposed Expansion of NE Travis County BFI Landfill
Statement of Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Robin Schneider at the Public Meeting on the Expansion of the BFI Sunset Farms Landfill in Northeast Travis County
May 24, 2007
TCE May 22, 2007
Gauntlet of TV-bearing Activists to Urge Housemembers to Press for TV Recycling
Digital TV Transition to Create an Avalanche of Obsolete TVs in Feb. 2009
More than a dozen environmental activists carrying TVs will form a gauntlet at the entrance to the floor of the Texas House of Representatives to encourage House members to request that State Rep. Dennis Bonnen include TVs in his electronic waste recycling bill. Currently, House Bill 2714 covers computers, monitors and laptops.
Computer TakeBack Campaign May 2, 2007
Steve Jobs Issues Statement on Apple’s Environmental Commitments
Environmentalists Applaud Gains on Materials, But Challenge Claims on Export
Just a week before Apple’s annual meeting – where shareholders will vote on two shareholder-sponsored resolutions pushing Apple to do better on e-waste recycling and green product design – Steve Jobs issued a statement today about Apple’s environmental record and future plans.
TCE April 26, 2007
Electronics Recycling Bill Passes Key Senate Committee Unanimously
Bill Would Require Computer Producers to Be Responsible for Recycling Their Products
The Senate Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously today to pass Senate Bill 1364 (Watson D-Austin). The bill would require computer makers to provide consumers with convenient and free recycling.
TCE April 11, 2007
“Old Computers and TVs Should Meet Their Makers,” Says Broad Alliance of Recyclers, Cities and Environmental Groups
Electronics recyclers, local government officials and environmental leaders gathered on the steps of the State Capitol and called for passage of legislation to require computer and television makers to provide consumers with convenient and free recycling.
Computer TakeBack Campaign February 27, 2007
States Take on E-Waste Problem
Bills to solve the problem of what do to with the mounting piles of electronic waste are already under consideration in 21 state legislatures, plus the city of New York.
TCE January 15, 2007
Dell's progress sparked by grassroots activism
The Statesman editorial “Dell gets even greener” extolled Dell’s producer takeback recycling programs and its offer to partner with consumers to plant trees to offset carbon emissions from using Dell products. The kudos are deserved. However, the Statesman’s failed to credit the grassroots efforts that focused Dell’s attention on its environmental responsibilities.
TCE October 26, 2006
Landfill Neighbors, Civic Leaders, Citizens and Homeowners Groups Begin Battle on Proposed Williamson County Landfill Expansion
Several individual property owners, a civic organization, a homeowners association and two local citizens’ groups representing many local residents entered into a legal battle today to oppose the state environmental agency’s approval of the permit application to expand the Williamson County landfill operated by Waste Management.
TCE October 7, 2006
Two New Books Expose Health and Environmental Hazards of High Tech
Two books published in 2006 detail the underside of the global high tech revolution. One book features a chapter on the Dell Campaign and TCE's role in the campaign that won Dell over to embrace producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
TCE October 3, 2006
Kyle City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution on Producer TakeBack Recycling
Vote Makes Kyle the First City in Hays County and the 3rd in Texas to Pass E-waste Resolution
The Kyle City Council became the first city in Hays County and the third city in Texas to unanimously pass a resolution in favor of producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
TCE September 11, 2006
Plano City Council Votes Unanimously to Pass an E-waste Resolution
The City of Plano became the first city in North Texas to pass a resolution in favor of producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
CTBC June 28, 2006
Environmentalists Applaud Dell’s Recycling Advances
The Computer TakeBack Campaign applauds Dell’s announcement today that they will become the first company in the world to provide consumers with free electronics recycling globally. Previously, Dell offered free takeback of their products only with purchase of a new computer or monitor, and only in certain countries. This marks a significant expansion of Dell’s recycling program and sets the standard for the rest of the electronics industry.
TCE June 14, 2006
Georgetown City Council Passes Resolution on Producer TakeBack Recycling
Unanimous Vote Makes Georgetown the First City in Texas to Pass E-waste Resolution
The Georgetown City Council became the first city in Texas to pass a resolution in favor of producer takeback recycling of electronic waste.
TCE June 13, 2006
TCE Statement in Support of Georgetown Resolution on Producer TakeBack Recycling of Electronics
In the U.S., more people recycle than vote. However, when it comes to electronic waste recycling, there are many pitfalls.
TCE May 3, 2006
Electronic Waste Art with a Message Unveiled at World Congress on Information Technology
Advocates Send Message: Producer Takeback Recycling for E-waste that Doesn’t Become Art
Texas Campaign for the Environment and Austin Green Art have collaborated to present a striking art piece made from electronic waste. The lizard-like figure with a globe-head decorated with pieces of electronic waste will remind delegates attending the gala dinner at the World Congress on Information Technology that the digital age has resulted in more than a billion pounds of electronic waste. The art piece comes with a message:
“Not all electronic waste will become art…For the rest, there should be producer takeback recycling.”
TCE/CTBC April 21, 2006
Apple Responds to Pressure from Consumers on Recycling
Apple Computer today announced that it will offer free takeback and recycling of old computers to consumers who buy new Macs at Apple stores or through their online store.
TCE March 24, 2006
Washington Governor to Sign Landmark Electronic Waste Recycling Bill
Washington Governor, Christine Gregoire, will sign into law the most comprehensive electronic waste recycling bill in the country. The bill requires electronics manufacturers to pay for the collection, transportation, and recycling of computers, monitors, and TVs from consumers, small business, schools, small governments, and charities in the State. This is a dramatic shift from what was previously a consumer and taxpayer financial burden.
TCE January 18, 2006
Texans Call for Strong Safeguards on Super-Sized Landfills
State Environmental Agency Can Do Better to Protect Water and Air Quality
Environmental leaders and landfill neighbors called on the three Commissioners of the state environmental agency to strengthen the standards for trash dumps when they consider new rules on February 1st.
December 20, 2005
Controversial Trash Panel Appointee Resigns after TCE Exposes Conflict of Interest
James McQuaid a recent appointee to one of only two “general public” slots has resigned from the Municipal Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Advisory Council under pressure from Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE).
December 14, 2005
Environmental Leader Calls for Resignation or Removal of Newly Appointed Waste Advisory Council
Council to Play Key Review Role of Key Trash Rules in the Next Six Weeks Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director called for the resignation or removal of James McQuaid from the Municipal Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Advisory Council, which is set up to advise the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on trash and recycling issues.
November 8, 2005
Texas Campaign for the Environment Shares Business Ethics Network BENNY Award
TCE Press Release October 24, 2005
High-Tech Toxic Trash Exported to Africa from Texas. USA and Europe Creating a Digital Dump from Re-Use and Repair Trade
Texas Campaign for the Environment released the findings of a new investigation by the toxic trade watchdog organization, Basel Action Network. The study reveals that large quantities of obsolete computers, televisions, mobile phones, and other used electronic equipment are exported from the USA and Europe to Lagos, Nigeria for “re-use and repair” are ending up gathering dust in warehouses or being dumped and burned near residences in empty lots, roadsides and in swamps creating serious health and environmental contamination from the toxic leachate and smoke.
September 6, 2005
U.S. E-Waste Polluting Communities Abroad New Report Underscores Need for Legislative Solutions, TCE Brings Ewaste to Apple
Activists in Dallas and Austin responded to a new report released today documents for the first time the extent of toxic contamination from obsolete computers, televisions, and other gadgets that have been shipped overseas by U.S. recyclers.
August 13, 2005
Landfill Neighbors to Hang Large Banner to Opposing BFI Expansion Contract
TCE and Travis County activists to hang a huge banner across the street from BFI landfill which might be expanded another 75 foot higher.
TCE Press Release: August 12, 2005
Residents & Environmental Activists to State Concerns & Opposition to Massive Expansion of Williamson County Landfill at Public Meeting
Landfill neighbors and environmental activists will speak out at a public meeting to discuss the proposed massive expansion at the Williamson County landfill operated by Waste Management.
August 8, 2005
Environmental Leaders Urge County Officials to Reject Proposed Expansion Contract with BFI, Proposed Contract will Allow BFI to Expand Above the Height of Mt. Bonnell
Environmental leaders will press the Travis County Commissioners Court to reject the proposed contract with BFI and instead write a contract for relocation of the landfills.
July 8, 2005
Neighbors Vote No on Proposed Expansion of BFI Problem Landfill
Residents living near the BFI landfill in Northeast Travis County and activists with Texas Campaign for the Environment voted for a second time to oppose a contract that would pave the way for a 75-foot expansion of BFI’s problem landfill at a meeting scheduled by BFI at the Travis County Expo Center on Saturday July 9th, 2005.
June 20, 2005
Community and Environmental Groups Deplore Governor Perry’s Action on Reducing the Public’s Right to Know about Waste Dumps, Advocates Call on State Environmental Agency to Clear up the Mess
Neighbors of waste dumps and environmental groups denounced Governor Perry’s decision to sign House Bill 1609 which eliminated the right to a public meeting when hazardous waste facilities, landfills, sludge dumps and other trash facilities are proposed.
TCE Press Release: June 12, 2005
Coalition Calls Steve Jobs a “Mini-player” in Computer Recycling, Flies Banner Over Stanford Graduation Where Jobs Was Speaking
The Computer TakeBack Campaign flew an airplane banner over graduation ceremonies at Stanford Stadium today to encourage Steve Jobs, the keynote speaker, to improve Apple Computer’s recycling program for obsolete computers. The banner said, “Steve – Don’t be a mini-player. Recycle all e-waste.”
June 3, 2005
TakeBack Campaign Calls on Apple to Go All The Way on Takeback
TCE & the Computer TakeBack Campaign called on Apple Computer to offer free recycling for all of its products, not just iPods, in response to Apple's announcement today that it will accept old iPods at all of its stores for free recycling.
May 19, 2005
TCE Lauds City's Unanimous Decision to Reject Privatization of City Landfill
Texas Campaign for the Environment lauded the Austin City Council's unanimous voted against a 65-year contract with private landfill operator IESI to combine and expand two Austin airport area landfills.
TCE Press Release: April 21, 2005
Coalition Warns Apple Shareholders On Company’s E-Waste Policy, Campaign Releases Alternative Annual Report For Earth Day
Warning Apple shareholders of the potential impacts of Apple’s e-waste policies, local leaders today released an alternative version of Apple Computer’s annual report, called “UnApple: From iPod to iWaste.”
TCE Press Release: March 30, 2005
Computer TakeBack Activists Hold Protests in Austin & Dallas, Events Held Nationwide in “Bad Apple Week of Action”,Activists Appeal to Apple CEO Steve Jobs for Corporate Responsibility
Activists with Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) held two events this week to demand that Apple takeback its obsolete products.
TCE Press Release: February 11, 2005
Landfill Neighbors, Sportsmen, Local and Statewide Groups File Appeals on Proposed Williamson County Landfill Expansion
TCE was joined by local group Mount Hutto Aware Citizens, property owners, and sportsman in filing appeals of the state environmental agency’s approval of the first part of the permit application to expand the Williamson County landfill operated by Waste Management.
January 12, 2005
Apple Headquarters and MacWorld Expo Target of Demonstration Against High Tech Waste, Environmental Watchdogs Launch Campaign Against Apple iWaste, Call on CEO for Answers
Texas Campaign for the Environment and other Computer TakeBack Campaign activists held back-to-back protests in California demanding that Apple CEO Steve Jobs take responsibility for toxic iWaste created by the company’s obsolete electronic goods.
