news & announcements
High-Tech Trash
National Geographic: Future archaeologists will note that at the tail end of the 20th century, a new, noxious kind of clutter exploded across the landscape: the digital detritus that has come to be called e-waste.
Penske will remove hazardous waste after years of back-and-forth
Austin-American Statesman: The agreement will end a host of lawsuits and counter-suits that have involved the two companies, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the environmental group Texas Campaign for the Environment.
Group Urges Free TV Recycling
Houston Chronicle: A new campaign by the Electronics TakeBack Coalition includes a web site where consumers can e-mail the heads of the world’s largest TV makers, including Sharp Electronics Corp. and Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co., and request free recycling programs.
Dumped by county, BFI Takes Landfill Plan to TCEQ
Austin Chronicle: Last week, commissioners narrowly voted to trash an agreement that would have stamped county approval on BFI’s proposed 75-foot height expansion.
As Landfill Grows, So Does Controversy
Community Impact: Hidden behind the landfill’s seemingly innocuous appearance, much like the waste it hides, is a controversy that has grown with the landfill the past four years.
No decision yet on Wilco landfill
News 8 Austin: The standing-room-only crowd was littered with signs begging for “a better landfill.” Active citizens and environmental groups have played a vital role in making sure the county knows its options.
Sony champions free recycling
Fortune: Sony now says it is the company’s responsibility “to provide customers with end-of-life solutions for all the products we manufacture.”
Lead Toxins Take a Global Round Trip
Wall Street Journal: Two recent studies suggest a globalization loop in which toxic materials from high-tech garbage are turned into potentially dangerous goods for kids and shipped back.
Texas legislature passes Dell-backed computer recycling bill
Ars Technica: The Texas House and Senate have passed a bill that would require computer companies doing business in the state to provide free recycling services for those machines.