Basel Action Network (BAN) Toxic Trade News, 6/10/09. "The Environmental Protection Agency filed a legal Complaint and Compliance Order late last week against EarthEcycle, the electronic waste handler for several charity e-waste collection events held in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in recent days. Basel Action Network (BAN) tracked 7 sea-going containers of the collected toxic e-waste to Hong Kong and South Africa after assurances were made by EarthEcycle owner, Mr. Jeffrey Nixon, that the wastes would be recycled locally. The EPA complaint cites 7 violation counts for illegal management and exportation of 'Cathode Ray Tubes' - the picture tube of old computer monitors and TVs. The counts include 'unauthorized export of hazardous waste' and 'failure to prepare a hazardous waste manifest.'" Article also reports on the decision of certain charities to continue their fundraising relationships with EarthECycle despite allegations of illegal exportation of waste.
"The state Department of Toxic Substances Control is hiring a criminal investigator in an effort to do a better job cracking down on electronics-waste fraud."
"With the march of progress, many of us are frequently upgrading our electronics, or at least replacing those that stop working. But what about all those discarded gadgets? They often contain toxic materials, as well as valuable components that can be reused.
The Consumer Electronics Association offers several tips to reduce e-waste, while preserving your identity and sensitive information from would-be thieves. Let's take a look:"