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in
China, recycling of old domestic appliances
is a profit-driven business run by scrap
buyers. Old appliances are either given
away to villages or are sold to old
appliance distributors.
This way of handling used appliances
causes environmental problems. This
is because what are recycled are only
plastic, metal, copper and aluminum.
Chemicals which are harmful to the environment
are not properly treated.
With more and more old appliances being
thrown away and replaced, we should
think of a way to properly treat and
recycle them. Perhaps we can learn from
overseas countries to establish a system
of recycling old domestic appliances.
Germany:
Being Europe’s major producer and consumer
of domestic appliances, Germany annually
produces close to 2 million tonnes of
electronic waste, which is equivalent
to 25kg per capita. The country has
put in place various systems to recycle,
treat, and re-use old appliances and
electronic equipment. Strong emphasis
is also placed on waste treatment technology.
Recently a new technology has been developed,
enabling effective melting of all plastic
and fire-proof material found in old
appliances.
The US:
The country is the world’s largest
producer and consumer of electronic
products, and the largest producer of
electronic rubbish. As a result of media
pressure, some appliance manufacturers
have started recycling their own brands
of used electronic products. An association
of computer and electronic product manufacturers
which has a membership of over 2,000
has taken part in a pilot recycling
project starting October 2001. What
they have been doing is to evaluate
the costs and benefits of recycling
various electronic products to prepare
for an eventual implementation of old
appliance recycling.
Japan:
Japan is a global manufacturer of domestic
appliances. But it also disposes of
the largest amount of appliances. National
statistics shows that the country annually
throws away 18 million sets of TV, refrigerators,
air-conditioners and washers, which
add up to 600,000 tonnes. Japan has
adopted a Domestic Appliance Recycling
Legislation since April 1, 2001. This
legislation stipulates that appliance
manufacturers, retailers and consumers
alike should take on their respective
share of responsibilities in recycling
and re-using old appliances. At present,
local appliance manufacturers have set
up over 30 collection centres for discarded
appliances all over the country to treat
and to re-use old appliances.
The EU:
In July 2003, the European Commission
laid down the Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive and required all
its member states to incorporate it
into their legal stipulations before
August 13, 2004. The directive requires
all electrical appliance producers to
unconditionally recycle waste and old
products they manufactured. Producers
can choose to establish their own recycling
system or pay relevant fees to commission
municipal enterprises or professional
organisations to recycle on their behalf.
In addition, from July 1, 2006, the
EU will prohibit the use of poisonous
substances such as lead, mercury and
cadmium in the manufacture of electrical
appliances and electronic equipment.
Contributor:
Liu Ke
Source: Economic Reference Post
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