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The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) Pollution Prevention Program works to leverage the buying power of large institutions in order to expand the market for "greener" electronic products that encourages the development of a sustainable, socially responsible production system in the electronics sector. Currently the Pollution Prevention Program is focused on the health care sector, partnering with the Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) campaign, to encourage SF Bay Area hospitals and national health care organizations to adopt more environmentally preferable purchasing, management and disposal practices for their electronic equipment. CEH also provides purchasing assistance to institutions from other sectors such as government and private industry, partnering with other coalitions such as the Electronics TakeBack Coalition (ETBC). CEH integrates the resources and expertise of ETBC in electronics with the experience and knowledge of HCWH in procurement in order to influence the purchasing decisions of large institutions in healthcare, government and academia towards more environmentally responsible electronics. Contact Sue Chiang, Pollution Prevention Program Director, 510.655.3900 x311, sue[at]cehca.org or Judy Levin, Pollution Prevention Program Coordinator, 510.655.3900 x316, judy[at]cehca.org with any questions.

"Circuit boards are commonly found in electronics in consumer and industrial products, including computers and cell phones. Manufacturers commonly produce circuit boards with flame-retardant chemicals to help ensure fire safety. Some flame-retardant chemicals, however, can be harmful if released into the environment. To better understand the issue, the electronics industry is engaging with other stakeholders in a partnership with Design for the Environment to better understand the full range of options for flame retarding circuit boards...The electronics industry is forming this partnership to develop information that will improve their understanding of the environmental and human health impacts of new and current materials that can be used to meet the fire safety requirements for circuit boards. This information will be presented to allow industry to consider these impacts along with cost and performance of circuit boards as they review alternative materials and technologies. The participation of all relevant stakeholders is critical to developing the information for this partnership." Site includes general project information, milestones, publications and a list of partners.

A furniture refinishing company has launched a new electronics recycling program to deal with waste electronics generated by furniture remodeling projects. The Refinishing Touch is an Alpharetta, Ga., company that offers on-site furniture refinishing, re-upholstery and armoire modification services to hotel chains and the federal government. Recently the company has conducted armoire modifications for several hotel chains upgrading television sets in guest rooms from CRTs to HD flat panel displays. The company is launching the new program to deal with those discarded displays. The company will guarantee TVs accepted through the program are recycled in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration and EPA industry standards as well as all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. The company also is in the process of gaining no-landfill certification for the program. Waste & Recycling News, 1/13/10.

GRAVITA EXIM Ltd. (World Leader in Lead Battery Recycling) Forms Joint Venture with AUSMELT Ltd. GRAVITA Exim Ltd. (Leading Lead Battery Recycling), the technical consultancy & projects arm of GRAVITA Group has entered into a JOINT VENTURE with an Australian giant in the same field, AUSMELT Ltd.

KVUE News, Austin, TX, 6/23/09. Includes video with reporter Elise Hu. "Austin Democrat Kirk Watson says he's stunned by a veto from Governor Rick Perry of a bill that would have encouraged people to recycle their old TVs instead of throwing them out. Watson's measure would have called for manufacturers to take back their old sets. He says the manufacturers were OK with that, and that's why he's surprised Perry tossed it out. " Comments are interesting--people are perplexed as to why legislation would be necessary to encourage recycling; apparent ignorance of cost associated with electronics recycling.

"According to the Consumer Electronics Association, digital television sales are up over 30 percent compared to this time last year.TV sales are getting a big boost from the mandatory switch to digital TV signals.And while an estimated 76,000 households in Chicago still aren't prepared for the change, come tomorrow, TV's going digital anyway. So what happens to all those old TVs being kicked to the curb? Melville Nickerson is a staff attorney with the Environmental Law and Policy Center explains what to do with them." Chicago Public Radio, Eight Forty-Eight, 6/11/09. Podcast.

DME Meets Rising Needs for Precision with Mokon Water Temperature Control Systems Madison Heights, Mich. - As plastics processing customers look for every way to maximize precision More...

"By now, we all know of those pesky businesses that partake in greenwashing-claiming their product is green, organic, or eco-friendly without much proof. If you aren't familiar with greenwashing, then you might want to familiarize yourself with the Seven Sins of Greenwashing. However, while the sins cover careful label reading and researching on products and companies, this article is to offer help on one particular sin: The Sin of Worshipping False Labels."

"Electronics recycling programs continue to proliferate across the country as well as internationally. There are now 23 states with some type of electronics recycling law, all at different stages of implementation and with varying rules and regulations. Many are looking for joint solutions to common problems as well as areas where they can harmonize and share lessons learned. "

"Corky Mouse Generates Kinetic Energy With Every Clic"

"United Nations representative pleased with India's handling of e-waste"

"Upgrading Your Appliances? Top Tips For Dealing With E-waste"

" Local Green Charity Partners With Oakland University To Motivate Recycling Amongst Students"

"European Data Protection Supervisor demands PC and phone suppliers bundle data protection into products to cope with WEEE disposal "

"Canada 3.0 wraps up with 15 ideas from co-chairs"