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Responsible Manufacturers… the rest is up to us! For a few folks the title may elicit the response, “What are you talking about?! Responsible Manufacturers, since when? And who?” (or is it whom?)… The idea of manufacturer responsibility, also known as extended producer responsibility (EPR), has been with the world for some time. As is usual in these matters, European countries have had this tradition, in the form of law and/or manufacturer practice for many years. In a nutshell, the idea of EPR is that a manufacturer takes back a durable product, after its useful life is complete, for recycling. Of course EPR isn’t free, there are costs either included in the original purchase price AND/OR shipping fees required. This is the sticking point for US manufacturers because, if a company has an EPR program, they incur additional costs that their non-EPR program competitors do not. We Americans, being the bargain hunters that we are, have a decided preference for cheaper products and this equates to greater market share for manufacturers. Hence a relative dirth of EPR programs in the US for both domestic and imported products. But all is not for naught (I know, double negative, and I again beg forgiveness from any English majors/minors in the audience)… the US does have a few examples that hopefully are the beginning of a US EPR tradition. First and foremost is the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Coalition (their website is www.rbrc.org), who announced that in 2006 their program collected 5.6 MILLION POUNDS, that’s 2,800 TONS, of nickel cadmium (NiCad) and other rechargeable batteries. This program pays for the shipping and recycling of these batteries at no additional ‘after market’ cost to the customer. Once your rechargeable batteries have ‘given up the ghost’ they can be dropped off free of charge at the landfill as we are a participant in the RBRC program. Computer companies are starting to come on board the EPR train as well. The primary reason is that these companies have had EPR programs in Europe for years, and are now starting similar programs in the US. In the US there are usually fees involved, not 100% true take back, but it’s a start. And here’s where you as a consumer need to make a difference. The next time you’re shopping for a computer, specifically ask about whether the company takes back old equipment and under what conditions. If they don’t have an EPR program, hang up… or probably better, let the sales rep know that this is an important consideration for you. Enough of these comments and sooner or later some VP of Marketing up in the corporate food chain will have an epiphany and another company will begin practicing EPR! |
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Rhinelander, WI 54501
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