“Biggie Fries, Hold the Wrapper”
In urban areas of Korea, an astounding 30% of urban waste comes from fast-food chains. To tackle the problem, the government has launched a campaign to get restaurants to recycle 90% of their waste. In April 2001, Lotteria, the biggest fast-food chain in Korea, responded by opening a franchise that uses no disposables. More familiar chains like McDonald’s, Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken are also cutting disposables and replacing them with real dishes or recyclable containers. So if these multi-national corporations can do it in Korea, why not here? (For more information, contact the Korea Waste Movement Network at waste21@chollian.net, or go to New Zealand Zero Waste Trust at www.zerowaste.co.nz and click on “International.”)

A “Bottle Bill” for Computers
Oregon officials are looking for ways to curb the rapidly rising rate of electronic waste dumped in landfills. One option under consideration is a deposit law, similar to the “bottle bills” used by many states to provide a financial incentive for returning bottles and cans for recycling. Consumers would pay a deposit on a new PC, for example, and redeem their deposit upon returning their old computer to the retailer or manufacturer for recycling. High-tech waste, like old computers and televisions, can contain 3 to 8 pounds of lead per unit. Since 1998 the volume of this waste has more than doubled in Oregon and state officials worry about the environmental threat it poses when landfilled. (For more information, call the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality at 503-229-5983.)

Companies Must Take Back E-Waste in Europe
The European Parliament has passed a law requiring manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment to reduce the use of hazardous substances in their products and to pay for the recycling of their products. The law, which passed on May 15, 2001 despite industry opposition (including from U.S. corporations), covers practically every electrical item from hairdryers to personal computers. Known as the “Restriction on Hazardous Substances,” it will phase out lead, cadmium, mercury, and brominated flame retardants. It is the second EU policy that requires producers to take responsibility for their products when they are scrapped-the first law was for automobiles. Supporters of such laws in the United States say the next step is to get American manufacturers that sell electrical and electronic equipment in Europe to apply the same standards to their operations in the United States. (For more information visit the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition’s web site at www.svtc.org.)

TV Toxins Get Phase-Out
In response to a new law in Europe (see above) requiring the phase-out of hazardous substances in electronic equipment, TV manufacturers are stepping up to the plate by replacing lead solders with less toxic alternatives. Producers say half of the components manufactured by 2003 could be lead-free-well before the 2008 deadline. Lead-free products first started showing up in Japan after Sony successfully began marketing lead-free products.

Denmark: First Nation in World to Ban Lead
In a move that may influence other countries to do the same, Denmark has become the first nation in the world to ban lead. Danish officials predict the new rule will cut lead in the environment by 50% once it is fully implemented in 2003. The ban was adopted to curb the harmful effects lead can have on children’s intelligence, behavior learning ability and other qualities. Lead-free alternatives exist for many traditional products that use lead, including cables, fishing supplies, plastics and construction materials.

E-Waste Crisis
Now that California is warning people that it’s illegal to throw away computers and televisions due to their toxicity, cities like San Jose are worried that the financial burden to properly dispose of this “e-waste” will be placed on tax payers. A new City resolution will regulate computer waste and create a collaborative alliance of industry, government and environmentalists to reduce the cost to taxpayers. San Jose City Councilmember Cindy Chavez calls e-waste an “environmental crisis that threatens our natural resources and local economy.”

McDonald’s Testing Eco-Container
McDonald’s is testing an EarthShell biodegradable burger container at over 100 locations in Chicago. The containers, made to fit the Big Mac, are made from reclaimed potato starch, limestone and recycled paper, biodegradable polymer and wax coatings, and water. The recycled potato starch comes from the commercial processing of potatoes and French fries. Also, no trees are cut to produce the packaging since it’s made with “post-consumer” paper. EarthShell has announced that it is testing a hot beverage cup at a California coffeehouse chain, and EarthShell disposables were used with success at a “green graduation” event at Hampshire College in Massachusetts. (For more information on EarthShell products, visit their web site at www.earthshell.com.)

Best Buy Collects Old Electronics
Some Best Buy stores in the United States have begun holding collection events for electronic waste. The first collection event was planned for September 2001 in metro Seattle, and several others are planned for later this fall. There will be a fee to recycle cathode ray-containing equipment like televisions and computer monitors while recycling items such as cell phones, boom boxes and VCRs will be free. Small electric appliances and appliances containing Freon® are not accepted. Best Buy hopes to create a market for re-using electronics that are newer and in working order.

American Companies Oppose Tax Breaks for Green Goods in Europe
A proposal by the European Commission to spur the purchase of eco-friendly products with a lower sales tax is being fought by the American Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s European arm consists of 140 of the largest corporations in America, including Disney, AOL Time-Warner, and Boeing-who don’t want consumers to have a financial incentive to buy environmentally-responsible merchandise.

E-Waste Recycling Success
New collection programs for old electronics in the United States have boosted the recycling rate for these items to about 25% by some estimates. According to the International Association of Electronics Recyclers, the recycling rate for items such as televisions, computers and VCRs was only about 15% just two years ago. Now with state and local governments, industry and non-profits like EcoCycle launching “e-waste” collection programs, that rate is rising.