List of quotes attributed to Eric Harris:

"What some policymakers fail to understand is that most of the used electronics being generated and recycled in developing countries originate in that country, not from U.S. exports. For that very reason, stopping the export of end-of-life electronics from the United States will do nothing to solve the underlying problem of bad actors polluting the environment and instead will block positive efforts currently being undertaken by the U.S. recycling industry to promote and support developing countries in their efforts to build environmentally responsible and sustainable economies," he (Harris) adds. 

Meta-Actor: Journalism

Source Document: https://waste-management-world.com/a/e-waste-exports-an-inconvenient-truth

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Harris meanwhile notes that the electronics recycling industry has seen a dramatic increase in the use of third-party certifications, which play a critical role in ensuring used and end-of-life electronics are handled safely and in an environmentally responsible way. The marketplace is pushing electronics recyclers to become certified to programs like ISRI's R2/RIOS Certified Electronics Recycler program, says Harris. 

Meta-Actor: Journalism

Source Document: https://waste-management-world.com/a/e-waste-exports-an-inconvenient-truth

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"ISRI argues that the survey supports its views that new legislation is not needed.

With regard to the ultimate destination of recycled end-of-life electronics, the survey finds that of the 3.5 million tons (3.2 million tonnes) being collected and recycled in the U.S., 70% by weight is processed in the country and sold either domestically, or on the global marketplace as commodity grade scrap. The researchers also claim that 10% of the total quantity collected is resold as functioning equipment and components and less than 18% is resold as equipment and components for further repair and refurbishment. Controversially, ISRI is arguing that these findings reinforce its claims that congressional proposals to ban the legitimate trade of used and end-of-life electronics to U.S. trading partners is unnecessary, and would in fact be counter-productive. Outlining the case against export controls to the Washington Council of Governments, Eric Harris, ISRI associate counsel and director of international and government relations argues that the legislation would put an end to the free, fair and legal trade of commodity grade scrap, such as steel, aluminium, copper, precious metals recovered from circuit boards, glass and plastics, while doing nothing to improve the recyclability of electronic products so they can be safely recycled anywhere in the world."

Meta-Actor: Journalism

Source Document: https://waste-management-world.com/a/e-waste-exports-an-inconvenient-truth