JANESVILLE, WI – Universal Recycling Technologies (URT), a leading electronics recycler, announces its support for the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA), a groundbreaking legislation aimed at addressing the urgent need for responsible and secure electronic waste (e-waste) disposal.
National security concerns over unregulated exporting of e-waste such as unwanted cell phones, computers, servers, and other devices—have prompted Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), as well as original cosponsors Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) to reintroduce the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA).
As stated in Rep. Adriano Espaillat’s press release, the bill would curb the flow of U.S. e-waste to China and other foreign nations, which is on track to reach 27 million tons by 2030. Upon its arrival in foreign nations, U.S. e-waste is frequently discarded in ways that are environmentally destructive or unlawfully turned into counterfeit electronics or insufficiently refurbished electronics products that are then resold as new. Concerning, these counterfeit and unsafe electronics are often then resold to buyers in the United States, where the faulty materials can make their way into critical U.S. military equipment.
“Technological innovation is advancing at an ever-increasing rate. With that, comes an ever-increasing amount of U.S. e-waste, in the form of used or obsolete electronics which can then be used to create counterfeit products,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat. “In recent years, unregulated Chinese companies have regularly repurposed U.S. e-waste to create counterfeit electronics and then put these dangerous products back into the global market. Responsible disposal of our e-waste is also important for addressing climate change and protecting U.S. cybersecurity—especially with regards to e-waste which contains confidential personal or corporate information. By limiting the foreign export of e-waste and creating new standards for e-waste recycling here at home, SEERA will create thousands of U.S. jobs while simultaneously ensuring these discarded electronic products do not fall into the wrong hands.”
“By enacting SEERA, we safeguard our nation’s security against China while protecting our future. Proper handling of electronic waste ensures critical data remains protected and that dangerous materials are handled responsibly. It will set requirements for the recycling of these products to be done domestically while creating new jobs. Passing this legislation will fortify and secure our national security and future,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.
“We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Espaillat and Rep. Díaz-Balart in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to limit untested, nonworking e-scrap exports. Under SEERA, our industry will play an integral role to address National Security concerns, advance environmental justice issues, create a domestic source of rare earth and critical minerals, and create up to 42,000 new jobs,” said Bob Houghton, CEO of Sage Sustainable Electronics and CAER Executive Committee member. The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER), which includes over 135 e-recycling member companies.
As stated in the CAER’s press release, SEERA will increase high-value exports of refurbished computer equipment and commodity-grade material refined from used electronics. U.S. recyclers will be better able to attract investment, expand capacity and create up to 42,000 quality jobs for Americans. Additionally, recycling of e-waste can provide a source of critical minerals for U.S. domestic industry while supporting a circular economy.
“At URT, we are committed and having built our business on ethical practices and environmental stewardship. We recognize the importance of responsible e-waste management, and SEERA aligns with our values and goals,” said Ken Thomas, President of URT. “We believe that this legislation will not only protect the environment and the communities we serve, but also will spur innovation and investment in the domestic electronic recycling industry. URT fully endorses SEERA and will support its implementation and work alongside the government, industry peers, and environmental organizations to ensure the successful realization of its objects.”
Click here to read the SEERA legislation in its entirety.
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ABOUT UNIVERSAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (URT)
As a certified leader in the electronics recycling industry, Universal Recycling Technologies, LLC (URT) provides full-service electronic and universal waste recycling solutions to everyone from governments and OEMs to the individual consumer. We strive to provide full circular solutions for all materials, while maximizing its value. URT offers complete downstream transparency, giving our partners the peace of mind to know their materials have been processed in an ethical, safe, and secure manner. To learn more about URT, visit www.URTsolutions.com.
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