Responsible Export of WEEE

In western societies, high consumption and the rapid pace of technological innovation and obsolescence have caused electronics and electronic equipment to become ‘waste’ much sooner then ever before. For a number of reasons, including the high costs of landfilling and dismantling in the North, the export of WEEE (Waste from Electronics and Electronic Equipment) and obsolete EEE from high-income countries to low-income countries has increased dramatically in recent years. Export of WEEE to non-OECD countries is has largely been made illegal under the Basel Convention’s Ban Amendment which has been fully implemented by the European Union. Export of working 2nd hand equipment intended for re-use is legal, but this is often abused by exporters mixing non-functional equipment with functional equipment.

Many environmental organisations such as the Basel Action Network and Greenpeace claim it is a legal, environmental and economic injustice to dispose of WEEE in low-income countries. These groups do not oppose efforts to export used equipment in working condition but raise issues regarding end-of life.

Other organisations support the export of obsolete but functional electronics and electric equipment to low-income countries, emphasizing the educational and social benefits that can be attained through re-use initiatives that decrease the “digital divide”. Others note that, in many low-income countries, the recycling of WEEE (imported and domestic) is a source of livelihood for many people, and recycling puts secondary resources closer to the areas of the world where they are in highest demand. Still another viewpoint is that since most ICT is produced or assembled in low-income countries, it is better to return the used equipment and put the producers under pressure to increase the use of the recovered materials in new products.

The discussion about the export of WEEE and obsolete EEE to low-income countries has become quite polarized. WASTE wants to explore the pros and cons of responsible and legal export and imagine what role responsible export can play in the global management of WEEE, through re-use or recycling.

Discussing Responsible and Legal Export in the Netherlands and Internationally

WASTE aims to open communication channels with several key stakeholders involved in the process, both in the Netherlands as internationally. Groups and individuals who are actually re-using and recycling the WEEE in low-income countries will be included in the discussion. Dialogues with international organizations working on issues of environmental justice and toxic trade can enrich the discussion as long as they do not overwhelm the voices from the South.

Furthermore, WASTE is exploring the opportunity to set up electronic and real-time events where several stakeholders from the Netherlands and Europe can discuss freely with each other on the issues around the export of WEEE. By giving all stakeholders the chance to elaborate their views, and by providing a platform for discussion, WASTE intends to establish a more balanced approach to export of WEEE and the management of used EEE.

Further information

More information can be obtained from Ivo Haenen at ihaenen@waste.nl or you can join the forum on this item, which can be found on this website as well.