eWeek Europe: Jail "E-Waste Cowboys" Says IT Charity

Following the news that US legislation may continue to allow the dumping of electronic waste in the developing world, computer re-use experts have warned that governments must get tougher over cracking-down on the trade.
Earlier this week legislation designed to curb the US exporting electronic waste to developing countries was criticised by environmentalists who claim the bill has a loophole that could allow exports of waste to continue.

The US bill, H.R. 2595, was introduced by Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), one of Congress' leading supporters of an e-waste export ban. The legislation generally bans the exporting of any restricted electronic waste but would make exceptions if the exports were intended "for repair or refurbishment".

The bill's backers claim the loop-hole is designed to allow end-of-life electronics to be sent to the developing world to help bridge the digital divide. But Tony Roberts chief executive of IT charity Computer Aid claims that any legislation that could allow e-waste into developing countries is misguided. "The proposal to allow the transport of eWaste for processing abroad is a license for the e-waste cowboys to continue the toxic trade that is decimating the environment from Nigeria to Asia," he said.

For more go to eWeek Europe UK.