Drafter
Clerk 04/28/2011
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AN ORDINANCE relating to environmentally preferable computer and electronics recycling, amending Ordinance 12045, Section 10, as amended, and K.C.C. 4.56.100 and Ordinance 9240, Section 18, as amended, and K.C.C. 10.16.180, adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 4.56 and adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 10.16.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. Computer systems and monitors contain toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and bromated flame retardants. Heavy metals can cause damage to humans and animals at very low concentrations and tend to accumulate in the food chain.
2. Recycling electronic equipment conserves resources and keeps toxic materials out of the landfill. Glass, plastic and metals can be recycled and used again in other products. Many of the heavy metals can also be recycled and safely reused, which can reduce the environmental impacts and worker safety risks of mining for virgin metals.
3. Currently there are no local or federal regulations that prohibit the export to developing nations of toxic materials and wastes generated from unwanted electronic equipment such as computers, televisions and printers.
4. Many developing nations have no environmental or worker safety protections and are not prepared to safely disassemble, process and recycle or dispose of the hazardous elements contained in electronic equipment.
5. King County has a policy interest in recycling electronic equipment in compliance with standards that will prevent the trade of toxic wastes, ensure national self-sufficiency in waste management through clean production, reduce toxic materials use and support the principles of global environmental justice. Currently, one such set of principles has been adopted by a Seattle-based nonprofit organization, the Basel Action Network. These principles are known as the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment. Other comparable standards may be developed and ...

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