Re "California recyclers are market for toxic waste" (Page A1, November 28):
Article by bees raises important points, but missed a crucial conclusion. Ethical disputed section recyclers highlighting certification electronic recycling an environmental group - the same program group failed noted violations by its participants in the program. Instead of unenforceable promises, electronics and recycling industries need to explore more meaningful ways to optimize the use of recyclable materials and to minimize their environmental impact.
The Basel action network has been ineffective to achieve compliance with its system of voluntary commitment, a program that generates significant income for the organization. Founder Jim Puckett admits enforcement is lax because "we don't have a full stable Auditors." For an "action network", refusing to invest in the application of the law until August 2011 undermines the credibility of the BAN. However, instead of explaining how to address deficiencies in the program, Puckett using one finger, ignoring the extraordinary efforts of recyclers to promote electronic sustainable recycling.
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and its members almost 1 600 businesses across the country have been aggressively advocates the adoption of responsible recycling electronics, developed jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency of United States and a wide and ISRI stakeholders industry standard operating, comprehensive environment, health and safety management standard that had already acceded to several electronic recyclers U.S. recycling. Together, they include a provision of compliance very demanding recyclers to document the compliance with the standards transparently - something clearly absent from the pledge of the BAN.
ISRI has also been fighting for federal policies prohibiting the export of processed and components, electronic equipment unless the environmental, health and safety appropriate standards are in place. ISRI supports banning the export of electronic equipment for landfilling or incineration at the disposal. ISRI has also been vocal in supporting policies requiring used electronic equipment exported to direct reuse tested to confirm the key functions work - a loophole neglected in a quarter of the ban. For these reasons, ISRI applauds and stands ready to work with President Barack Obama on the recently convened team inter-agency task on responsible electronic management.
ISRI will continue to fight for binding practical electronics recycling. Our members in the process of 150 million metric tons of all types of recyclable materials each year, materials reused in the manufacturing new base materials. Make a promise to do the right thing that seems to be pleasant, but the results count more. Financially subsidized "good intentions of the prohibition" can only go up to - ago as a reason for the saying on the road "good intentions" can open.
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