Small gadgets cause recycling headache for China
Updated: 2014-03-19 16:48
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
In China, waste electronic goods collection has grown into a full-fledged underground economy.
Small businesses that lack sophisticated infrastructure and expertise strip down the goods to recover components for second-hand equipment or to harvest valuable metals and raw materials.
|
|
"From my observation, many peddlers just dump the leftovers after salvaging useful parts," said Wang Kun, who works at a large technology store in Jinan.
Solutions
Recyclers' calls for government support of small electronics disposal have been heard, as the National Development and Reform Commission is considering adding cell phones, batteries, printers, copiers, scanners and fluorescent lamps to the government subsidy program for recycling and safe disposal.
The draft proposal was made public in December 2013 by the commission to solicit opinions for one month.
In addition to motivating licensed recycling companies with funds, Xu suggested retailers offer "old-for-new" services to stimulate recovery of small electronic goods.
Consumers could also help with better recycling, said Zhang Ning, a Chinese-Australian who makes regular business trips to Jinan every year.
"In China, you can hardly find a formal channel to hand in redundant electronic items," she said, suggesting the government place bins exclusively for disposal of small gadgets, as has been done in some developed countries such as Australia and Germany.
Related Stories
China absorbs over 70% of world's e-waste 2013-08-24 17:21
Waste no time in disposing e-waste aptly 2013-03-15 07:18
Top legislature paves way to amend pollution law 2014-03-05 09:04
Draft requires environmental reviews of govt policy 2013-10-22 09:08
Today's Top News
Thai radar may have detected missing jet
Ukraine rejects Crimea treaty
Tourists to be refunded for smog
Chinese authorities upgrade food waste fight
First lady's visit to boost goodwill
Chinese authorities upgrade food waste fight
Xi to sign flurry of deals in Europe
Li vows not to give up plane hunt
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Missing plane puzzle remains unsolved |
Modern merchants follow Silk Road |
Doubts linger over warning system for smog |
Is civil service losing luster? |
Special coverage on missing jet |
Mene slims amid austerity |