Tuesday September 1, 2009
The Malaysian Department of Environment defines electronic waste (e-waste) as waste from the assembly of electrical or electronic appliances. Now, such waste is not properly handled due to the absence of legislations, guidelines and collection infrastructure.
The department is currently drafting a new legislation and framework to manage e-waste from both industrial and domestic sources. One of the programmes being considered involves a "take-back" system for consumer goods.
In other parts of world, e-waste is being managed in different ways:
Europe – The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is enforced throughout the European Union. The directive requires manufacturers to be responsible for the collection, reuse, recycling and treatment of their products once they are no longer useable. Many manufacturers have take-back systems which enable consumers to return their used appliances for free.
Japan and South Korea – Under the Home Appliances Recycling Law, Japanese manufacturers are obliged to take back used household appliances upon requests by consumers, who in turn have to bear the costs of transportation. South Korea's Producer Recycling system is similar to Japan's.
United States – California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act requires retailers to collect an e-waste recycling fee from consumers when they buy certain electronic products (including televisions, monitors and other devices with viewable screens).
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Lifestyle: Focus 1 September 2009
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