Electronics Recycling

EPA Orders Company to Submit Plan to Remove CRTs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered ZKW Trading, Monterey Park, Calif., to submit a management plan for nearly 32,000 pounds of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) that the company is said to have illegally shipped to Hong Kong in violation of the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The shipment was rejected by Hong Kong customs authorities and returned to the U.S.

“The EPA is ordering ZKW Trading to submit a plan detailing how it will ensure that thousands of pounds of CRTs are managed in an environmentally sound manner,” says Jeff Scott, director of Waste Programs for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “Electronic recyclers, freight forwarders and shipping brokers must obey federal regulations for exporting electronics or else face possible legal action.”

In June 2009, ZKW Trading reportedly consigned 38 pallets of CRTs—listing the cargo as plastic scrap—for shipment to Hong Kong. In July, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection informed the EPA of the return of ZKW’s shipments to the United States.

ZKW Trading had 30 days to remove its cargo and 45 days to submit a plan to the U.S. EPA detailing how it would reuse, recycle or discard the CRTs in question or face fines of up to $37,500 per day for noncompliance for each violation.

New regulations (available at www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/recycling/electron/index.htm#crts) took effect January 2007 requiring U.S. exporters shipping CRTs outside of the country for recycling to notify the EPA and receive written consent from the receiving country before shipments can be made.

Baltimore County Passes Electronics Recycling Law
The County Council for Baltimore County, Md., has passed a law that requires residents to deliver a host of electronic equipment to a certified electronics recycling facility.

The bill passed by a vote of 5-to-2 at the county council meetings Sept. 8 and Oct. 23. Councilman Vincent Gardina sponsored the bill.

The electronic devices covered under the new law include computers, computer-related equipment and peripherals, television sets, VCRs, DVDs, fax machines, telephones and other personal electronic devices. Appliances are not included under the new law.

The legislation stipulates that a person may dispose of a home electronic device by delivering it to a recycling facility or to a manufacturer or retailer that has established a program for the collection and recycling of home electronic devices.

Residents who dispose of a home electronic device in violation of the law could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction would be subject to a fine of not less than $500. This section is subject to a civil penalty of $100.
Baltimore County has a population of nearly 750,000 people and includes suburbs surrounding the city of Baltimore, but does not include the city.

Round2 Earns ISO, OHSAS Certifications
Round2 Inc., Austin, Texas, has announced the receipt of its ISO 9001: 2008, 14001: 2004 and OHSAS 18001: 2007 certifications.

Ian Bagnall, Round2’s CEO, says, “Round2 is committed to continually exceeding the highest QEH&S (quality, environmental, health and safety) standards. Successfully completing the rigorous certification processes is a testament to our team’s desire to execute our business in the most socially responsible manner with a keen focus on safety. We believe the growth we enjoy, both at the local level as well as with Fortune 1,000 clients, is directly attributed to these important and measurable commitments.”

Round2 President Randy Weiss says, “The market is demanding a comprehensive recycling solution that is transparent and auditable. In today’s competitive business environment it is important that we take the necessary steps to separate and distinguish ourselves inside the market place. ISO and OHSAS certifications give us yet another competitive edge.”