Electronic Waste and Recycling Fees

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Economic and Environmental Impacts of Disposing of E-Waste
The Question of Electronics Recycling Fee Collection
Prevention of Improper E-Waste Disposal
Other Measures
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The development of high technologies, population growth, and the current paradigm of the consumer society has led to the emergence of such a global problem as e-waste and their disposal issues. According to Kidder et al., “electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing pollution problems worldwide” (1237). The purpose of this paper is to examine the consequences of e-waste disposal in various fields and social groups, the electronics recycling fee issue for North Dakota, and other measures to develop the current situation.

Economic and Environmental Impacts of Disposing of E-Waste

From an environmental perspective, competent recycling minimizes harmful pollution in the environment by reducing the number of toxic substances in the air, water, and soil. Yet, modern lightweight technologies pose a significant danger to the recycling industry workers due to harmful raw materials in devices (Bonnington). The economic impacts of the competent e-waste disposal, in turn, have more positive aspects.

Processing allows the extraction, collection, and reuse of many expensive raw materials, which positively affects the economic growth of both companies and states. Researchers note, “it was estimated that e-waste contained rich deposits whose total value is estimated at $55 billion, a figure exceeding the gross domestic product of most countries in the world” (“Electronic waste”). Regarding developing countries, the recycling industry provides jobs for the population and promotes business development (Minter). The introduction of electronics recycling fees will allow the North Dakota authorities to motivate private entrepreneurs to develop processing structures, which will improve workers’ working conditions, economic indicators, and suppress uncertified gray markets.

The Question of Electronics Recycling Fee Collection

The introduction of electronics recycling fees should take place in the retail sector, in particular, when electronic products are sold to consumers due to several reasons. First of all, such a practice has been used by the Chinese authorities to electronic business titans since the beginning of the 10s (Wang et al. 24). However, in their case, the fee showed only a partial effect. A much better result shows a similar California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act that contributed to the free, convenient, and, above all, safe disposal of e-waste (“Electronic Waste Recycling Fee”). The social aspect also speaks in favor of this approach because not all customers return products for recycling. In this case, the mandatory electronic recycling tax in North Dakota will be:

For cell phones, tablets, small laptops (screen size: 4”-15”):

P=4.00 ($ on average to recycle), I=0,045 (4.5% interest rate), n=2 (years).

4*(1+0.045)²=4.3681

Therefore, the electronics recycling fee will be $4.37

For large laptops, desktop monitors, small TVs (screen size: 15”-35”):

P=6.00 ($ on average to recycle), I=0,045 (4.5% interest rate), n=3 (years).

6*(1+0.045)³=6.84699675

Therefore, the electronics recycling fee will be $6.85

For TVs (screen size: > 35”):

P=9.00 ($ on average to recycle), I=0,045 (4.5% interest rate), n=4 (years).

9*(1+0.045)⁴=10.7326674056

Therefore, the electronics recycling fee will be $10.73

Prevention of Improper E-Waste Disposal

One of the possible decisions that North Dakota can take to prevent the improper disposal of electronic waste may be the implementation of the Japanese system. This system implies the mandatory categorization and use of garbage containers and packages for various types of electronic waste. The authorities penalize citizens who refuse to use them or apply incompetently. Also, “Deposit mechanisms could be used when purchasing electrical goods, and people can get the money back when they send their waste to certified collectors” (Wang et al. 25).

However, it is impossible to assess the possible applicability of the introduction of such a program within the American mentality, especially among senior citizens. Perhaps a more appropriate method would be “building of consumer awareness through public awareness campaigns” (Pinto, Violet N. 69). Modern social media provide an opportunity to deploy a broad and effective environmental program for the proper management of e-waste.

Other Measures

Among the additional possible measures to better the disposing of e-waste in North Dakota, regulation is primarily reasonable. These regulations can be expressed both in the new producer liability policy and in a change in state policy in terms of import and export of electronic devices (Pinto, Violet N. 69). It is also possible to enter the Basel Convention, the purpose of which is to minimize the amount of e-waste by introducing new and adjusting the existing rules for trading e-waste (Wang et al. 25). Problems of this magnitude must be resolved at the international level, as they are a hot topic for all countries of the world.

Conclusion

This work studied the economic and environmental consequences of an e-waste recycling policy as well as its implementation and improvement. The study of the environmental aspect showed a positive effect of disposing of nature, but negative for workers in this industry. From an economic point of view, recycling is generally very beneficial. These findings speak in favor of the introduction of an electronic processing tax in North Dakota, which has also been calculated. Measures were also proposed to comply with e-waste disposing of measures for both consumers and producers.

Works Cited

Bonnington, Christina. “Our E-Waste Problem is Ridiculous and Gadget Makers Aren’t Helping.” WIRED. 2015. Web.

“Electronic waste poses ‘growing risk’ to environment, human health, UN report warns.” UN News, 2017. Web.

“Electronic Waste Recycling Fee.” UC San Diego. 2020. Web.

Kiddee, Peeranart, et al. “Electronic waste management approaches: An overview.” Waste management, vol. 33, no. 5, 2013, pp. 1237-1250.

Minter, Adam. “The burning truth behind an e-waste dump in Africa.” Smithsonian Magazine. 2016. Web.

Wang, Zhaohua, et al. “Take responsibility for electronic-waste disposal.” Nature, vol. 536, no. 7614, 2016, pp. 23-25. Web.

Pinto, Violet N. “E-waste hazard: The impending challenge.” Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 12, no. 2, 2008, pp. 65-70.

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