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Solar energy may be one of the most important technologies in the 21st century, but the rapid pace of technology innovation has us often moving on to the next thing without a glance at what's been left behind. New advancements in clean technology can offer extraordinary possibilities, but often at unpredictable costs. Less than one year ago, we published a report about the lack of regulations on nanotechnology which can contaminate air and water causing unknown impacts on human health and the environment.

With little scrutiny or controversy, Lisa Jackson was confirmed by the Senate late last night to head the Environmental Protection Agency after a confirmation hearing where criticisms of Jackson's tenure as head of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection were given short shrift. In her first move as EPA chief, Jackson pledged to make science "the backbone for EPA programs [1]." In a memo sent to EPA employees today, Jackson said that reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing chemical risks, cleaning up hazardous waste and protecting America's water would receive her personal attention.

This week Barack Obama announced Organizing for America (OFA), the new group that will work alongside the President to support the agenda we fought so hard for.This week Barack Obama announced Organizing for America (OFA), the new group that will work alongside the President to support the agenda we fought so hard for.

Whenever I hear "E-Cycling," I think of some amazing new technology that allows you to shoot your old trash and junk over to the recycling plant by means of e-mail. Of course, it isn't - "E-Cycling" is simply the term used for recycling and managing potentially hazardous electronic waste, and, thanks to a new state law passed in Washington , managing that waste is about to become a whole lot more pleasant.

What is R2? The EPA has recently released a new voluntary standard for recyclers of electronic waste, called "R2." R2 stands for "responsible recycling." Unfortunately, it falls well short of "responsible", when it comes to the toxic materials. In fact, the standard is so weak in key areas that the only two participating environmental groups (the Basel Action Network and the Electronics TakeBack Coalition) both withdrew in protest from the multi‐stakeholder process in the final stages. What's Wrong with R2? R2 fails to adequately address the four biggest problems in the electronics recycling industry.What is R2? The EPA has recently released a new voluntary standard for recyclers of electronic waste, called "R2." R2 stands for "responsible recycling." Unfortunately, it falls well short of "responsible", when it comes to the toxic materials. In fact, the standard is so weak in key areas that the only two participating environmental groups (the Basel Action Network and the Electronics TakeBack Coalition) both withdrew in protest from the multi‐stakeholder process in the final stages. What's Wrong with R2? R2 fails to adequately address the four biggest problems in the electronics recycling industry.

Although some sites may collect other unwanted electronics gear, such as cell phones and printers, they may charge for taking those items because those are not covered under the Oregon E-Cycles program. Electronics contain a host of hazardous substances, including mercury and lead. Even small amounts of these toxins can be dangerous. Electronics also contain valuable materials, including copper, gold and aluminum. The CBS news program "60 Minutes" recently aired an investigative report tracking e-waste. "60 Minutes" reporter Scott Pelley discovered an illegal electronic wasteland in Guiyo, China. Pelley and crew tracked a container of old computer CRT monitors owned by Colorado-based Executive Recycling. Gangs at the dump site tried to take CBS's footage, but the film crew escaped. Executive Recycling called the report unfair and issued a statement: "Sadly, Executive Recycling appears now to be the victim of others who have obtained electronic and computer products from our company and then acted irresponsibly." The company also said, "no business can be responsible for the subsequent improper actions of others who lawfully purchase products from them and hide their intentions to engage in misconduct."Although some sites may collect other unwanted electronics gear, such as cell phones and printers, they may charge for taking those items because those are not covered under the Oregon E-Cycles program. Electronics contain a host of hazardous substances, including mercury and lead. Even small amounts of these toxins can be dangerous. Electronics also contain valuable materials, including copper, gold and aluminum. The CBS news program "60 Minutes" recently aired an investigative report tracking e-waste. "60 Minutes" reporter Scott Pelley discovered an illegal electronic wasteland in Guiyo, China. Pelley and crew tracked a container of old computer CRT monitors owned by Colorado-based Executive Recycling. Gangs at the dump site tried to take

Local news for the Wenatchee, Washington area

It's Christmas morning, and there beneath the tree was your new television, sleek and digital. Or maybe it was a new computer. Or the newest electronic gee-whiz gadget. All well and good, but what are you going to do with the old equipment it replaces? Most people - about 88 percent according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - simply toss so-called e-waste into the trash. Given the heavy metals and other toxic substances such equipment contains, that's obviously a bad idea, says the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a national consortium of environmental and consumer groups. But, in some cases, doing the seemingly responsible thing - hauling outmoded equipment to a recycler - is as bad as junking it, warned Barbara Kyle, the group's national coordinator. Often, she said, "recycled" electronics are shipped to processors in developing countries, who use primitive techniques to extract valuable metals.

Which Electronics Companies Will Take Back Your Old Computer, TV, or Other Electronics? Before you buy that new computer or TV, think about what you plan to do with your old one. If it still works and you think someone else can use it, then you might want to donate it to a reputable reuse organization. (Make sure the organization is accepting donations for local reuse - and not sending them overseas.) But if that's not an option for you, some of the electronics manufacturers offer recycling programs that you can use, often for free. Some will give you some trade-in credit towards new purchases. This report tells you who offers what services, how to use them, and how to get free recycling.

AP Report: KOMO News \ A free computer and TV recycling program starts Jan. 2 in Washington. The "E-cycle Washington" program was created by the Legislature. It's funded by manufacturers who sell electronics in the state. More than 200 sites are being readied at existing recyclers, retail stores and nonprofit agencies such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. Based on other states, organizers expect to recycle 13,000 tons of old computers and TVs next year. A free computer and TV recycling program starts Jan. 2 in Washington. The "E-cycle Washington" program was created by the Legislature. It's funded by manufacturers who sell electronics in the state. More than 200 sites are being readied at existing recyclers, retail stores and nonprofit agencies such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. Based on other states, organizers expect to recycle 13,000 tons of old computers and TVs next year. Check out the comments made by the audience regarding this story.

Earth911.com is your one-stop shop for all you need to know about reducing your impact, reusing what you've got and recycling your trash. Get involved in our world by checking in for daily news, reading weekly feature stories, surfing product channels and opting into our weekly emails.Earth911.com is your one-stop shop for all you need to know about reducing your impact, reusing what you've got and recycling your trash. Get involved in our world by checking in for daily news, reading weekly feature stories, surfing product channels and opting into our weekly emails.

An interview with recyclers in New York

A nonprofit group has developed two new campaigns using technology toward their mission to provide safety to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

Host Electronic recycling event collection electronics news

Summary of House Bills 6714-6715 and Senate Bills 896-897 as reported by house committee, 12/3/08. "In general, this package of bill would add a new Part 173 (Electronics) to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require manufacturers and recyclers of covered electronic devices (covered computers and covered video display devices) to register annually with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), pay annual registration fees to a new Electronic Recycling Fund, and to require manufacturers to operate takeback programs for covered devices used by individuals and small businesses. The bills are tie-barred to one another, meaning all must be enacted for any to go into effect."

Australia: Computers and televisions will be recycled under a new National Waste Policy to be implemented next year.

Technology is a trend that will never go out of date. Every day is a new day for technology - you find a newly launched tech-device turning into a craze or a new smartphone catching the consumer's eye. Due to this disrupted mindset of consumers and many other reasons, e-waste management has become a global issue. Find out some of the opportunities that lie in this problem.

With the introduction of new technology, the market has gradually increased the productivity and efficiency, which ultimately helps in improving the business. But with the growing inclination towards new technology, the problem of e-waste is increasing. Keeping the electronics assets away from landfill is a major challenge. Here is the point where Veracity World can help you with an organised IT asset management ITAD service.