The Coalition For American Electronics Recycling (CAER) today announced that it has received the endorsement of the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC — www.ASBCouncil.org) in support of federal legislation that will restrict export of toxic electronic waste (e-waste) from the U.S. and spur creation of tens of thousands of jobs through expansion of the domestic recycling industry.
“The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act addresses two important issues at once: reducing the dumping of toxic e-waste in developing nations and fostering economic and job growth for responsible recycling companies in the U.S.,” said Richard Eidlin, the ASBC’s Policy Director. “The American Sustainable Business Council sees the Act as another critical step towards reducing the broad health and environmental risks associated with hazardous and toxic chemicals. Communities across the U.S. stand to benefit from the new, high quality jobs that the fledging E-Waste will create with passage of this legislation.”
Through education and advocacy, the ASBC works to influence the creation of public policy that acknowledges the large and growing universe of sustainable and socially responsible businesses and social enterprises. The mission of American Sustainable Business Council is to advance public policies that ensure a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy. Founded in 2009, the ASBC is composed of forty-five business organizations that represent more than 110,000 businesses and over 200,000 individual entrepreneurs, owners, executives, investors and business professionals.
“Having the support of the prestigious ASBC is yet another reflection of the growing consensus that the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act is good for business and will create much-needed jobs and enhance sustainability,” said John Shegerian, Co-founder and President, Electronic Recyclers International. “Our members are committed to growing an American industry with the capacity to manage e-waste generated within our borders and the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs in every part of the country.”
CAER includes 35 U.S. companies with 89 facilities involved in all aspects of the domestic electronics recycling and disposition industry, with operations in 32 states as well as the District of Columbia. (Complete membership list on the CAER website). Also supporting the legislation are Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Apple, Samsung, Best Buy and LG.
Introduced in June, the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act (HR 2284/SB1270) would restrict toxic e-waste exports to developing countries that lack adequate safeguards for the environment and workers.
The Coalition is continuing to work with both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which have jurisdiction over the bills as well as other Congressional offices who would benefit from the job creation from this legislation. For more information about HR 2284/SB1270, visit the CAER website, which includes links to the full text of each bill.