E-Waste Export Restrictions Could Generate 42,000 U.S. Jobs, Study Claims

Restrictions on electronic waste exports could create as many as 42,000 jobs in the United States, according to a study commissioned by the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER).

The study, conducted by DSM Environmental Services Inc. of Windsor, Vt., stated that processing the 3.6 billion pounds of e-waste in the United States that now is exported, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report, would create 21,000 full-time equivalent recycling jobs with a corresponding payroll of $772 million. There would be the potential for 21,000 additional indirect jobs, according to a news release.

Currently CAER member recycle about 1.2 billion pounds of electronics. The survey of CAER members estimated current U.S. employment in e-waste recycling at 6,850 jobs with a payroll of about $250 million.

“The study further documents how growing an industry with the capacity to manage the volume of e-waste generated within our borders could create tens of thousands of good-paying American jobs by promoting investment in our domestic infrastructure,” said Steve Skurnac, president of Chicago-based Sims Recycling Solutions and CAER steering committee member.

CAER was founded in November 2011 and now includes 82 U.S. e-waste recycling and disposal companies. The group supports passage of the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act that is designed to promote fair and responsible e-waste trade.