1996 Electronics Industry Environmental Roadmap - Civil and ...

5.0 Disposition
Disposition
5.1 Objective
This chapter addresses the challenge of creating a system that supports the economically viable
and environmentally efficient disposition of electronic systems and products. Reaching this goal
has both environmental and economic consequences. From an environmental standpoint, the
consequences can be stated simply: reduced solid waste, reduced toxic materials released into
the waste stream, and resource conservation. From an economic standpoint, the objective is to
ensure that maximum value is extracted from electronic products, and that the disposition of
material lacking any intrinsic value is managed in a cost-efficient manner. A secondary objective
is the promotion of a viable product end-of-life management (PELM) industry.
Accomplishing this goal requires effective communication and coordinated action among a
diverse group of interests, including:
The electronics industry and its suppliers,
Recycling and disposal companies,
Solid waste system administrators,
The financial community
Regulators, and
Consumers and the public.
This chapter of the 1996 Roadmap is intended to facilitate that cooperation by fostering an understanding
of basic issues in PELM, industry concerns, and potential impacts. It includes an overview
of the current state of computer systems disposition and discusses obstacles to achieving a
widespread disposition infrastructure. It is assumed that many of the issues discussed will also
pertain to the wider range of electronic products as well. Examples of programs—some successful,
some less so—are highlighted, and the chapter ends with recommendations and an action
plan.
5.2 The Importance of Achieving the Goal is Increasing
Manufacturers and distributors of electronic products face many emerging issues that are
increasing the priority of effective PELM:
1. The volume of electronic products facing the prospect of disposition is very large and is
increasing. Over 12 million computers are disposed of annually, amounting to more than
300,000 tons per year. A 1991 Carnegie Mellon study predicted that 2 million tons of
computers will be landfilled by the end of the decade, a prediction that was based on an
assumption of just 200,000 tons per year [23]. The Carnegie Mellon study also estimated
that two computers become obsolete for every three manufactured, and that by the year
2005 the ratio will likely be 1:1. Despite this volume of discarded product, some studies
estimate that as much as 75% of old, used equipment is in storage—creating the potential
for large volumes of waste if owners are forced to dispose of the products.
These numbers also do not take into account the large quantities of electronic waste that
enter landfills from products other than computers. Estimates range as high as 2 to 3 mil-
63