U.S. EPA publishes final rule meant to improve tracking and monitoring of exports of electronic waste [US]

EPA has published a final rule that seeks to better track the movement of used electronic waste around the world.  The rule, applicable to exporters of electronic waste, will tighten the definition of entities that export used computer and TV parts for export and require annual reports from exporters regarding their exports of electronic waste.

The amendments update a 2006 rule that excluded electronic waste being exported for reuse from the definition of hazardous waste.  The rule amendments are a response to the increased export of used cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which are commonly found in older TVs and computer monitors.  CRTs must be properly recycled and disposed of due to toxic gases and hazardous parts.  CRTs are being exported to countries that often lack the proper facilities to recycle them, causing toxic gases and hazardous chemicals to be released.

The proposed amendments would subject exporters who violated the rule to hazardous waste violations.

Source:

Final Rule: EPA revises export provisions for Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT), Federal Register, 79 FR 36220, June 26, 2014 (https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-14996)

Amanda Peterka, Upcoming EPA rule aims to track exports of used electronic waste, Greenwire, June 25, 2014 (http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2014/06/25/stories/1060001946)

40 CFR Part 260

40 CFR Part 261

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