| Exporting Liabilities |
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Did you know that more than 80 percent of all scrap electronics end up in Third World countries? 75 percent of equipment sent overseas is in non-working condition. Contrary to most people’s beliefs, material is not being sent to lower cost recycling centers offshore where economic gain can be realized.
The Basel Action Network (www.ban.org) is dedicated to the elimination of international e-waste. They periodically release reports on the state of e-waste dumping in Third World countries. According to their findings, most computers not only are non-working, but also contain sensitive data left on drives. Additionally, the technology, which contains all types of toxic materials, is typically burned, dumped or pilfered for parts of minimal value. Poorer country natives suffer ill effects both upon themselves and the environment.
In terms of liability:
- Exporting non-working materials is likely in violation of international law and/or the laws of the importing country.
- Most recyclers or brokers who export do not remove identification, complete the proper security procedures or track assets. Therefore, the only traceable party is the original asset owner.
- Data security is lax. Information can be sold by overseas acquirers or used in other improper ways.
- Improperly disposed of assets contribute to the decline in environmental and health status within poorer countries.
Computerworld stated that more than just policy is needed to prevent exporting. Organizations need to enforce a “No Landfill, No Export” policy. Hesstech is one way to ensure complete enforcement of this policy. From inception, Hesstech enforced a “Zero Landfill, No Export” policy, either by demanufacturing and/or shredding non-working materials or remarketing tested, working assets through audited secondary channels. Plus, Hesstech provides complete asset tracking from collection to disposal. Peace of mind is completely achieved.
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