Waste Management Supports President Obama’s Call for Expanded E-Waste Recycling
HOUSTON — Nov. 16, 2010 — In celebration of America Recycles Day on November 15, President Obama highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of recycling.
More specifically, the President called attention to the need for a comprehensive national policy to responsibly manage e-waste -http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2010/11/15/presidential-proclamation-america-recycles-day. Waste Management applauds President Obama’s position on this issue and plans to continue its work with the Federal and state governments, equipment manufacturers, retailers and advocacy groups to ensure Americans have access to e-waste recycling that follows safe, environmentally responsible practices.
Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing commodities in the waste stream, and often contains compounds such as mercury, lead and cadmium that can be dangerous if not properly handled. Currently, the United States has no federal policy for the responsible disposal of e-waste, leading to a patchwork of state laws that make national programs difficult to implement.
“Waste Management looks forward to President Obama’s interagency task force, which plans to develop a national strategy for responsible electronics stewardship. The company looks forward to the potential to contribute its expertise in the sector to aid in the program’s development,” said Patrick DeRueda, president of Waste Management Recycle Services.
Waste Management, the largest residential recycler in North America, follows rigorous internal standards to ensure e-waste is handled safely and responsibly. The company has also adopted two of the leading independent e-waste recycling protocols: the Responsible Recycling (R2) Program and the Basel Action Network’s (BAN) E-Stewards Program. These programs establish a set of accepted practices that help protect the environment and workers’ health and safety during the handling of e-waste; provide the ability for third parties to monitor activity; and offer greater transparency in the fast-growing electronics-recycling sector.
ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is the largest recycler in North America and a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com.
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