Solving the E-waste Problem
Solving the E-waste Problem ( StEP ) is an international initiative. Its members include some important players in the areas of production, re-use, recycling of electrical and electronic equipment as well as governmental and international organizations; three UN organizations offer together as a platform for the StEP initiative. StEP is committed to the cooperation of the actors in the areas of electronic waste, where much emphasis is placed on holistic approaches.
History
After a three- year start-up phase, launched by the United Nations University, promotion team wetzlar and Hewlett -Packard, the StEP initiative was officially launched in March 2007. When its members are UN organizations, political institutions and representatives from industry and research that address the multifaceted problems on the subject of electrical and electronic waste.
Objectives and means
"One of the main objectives of the StEP initiative is the definition of global guidelines for processing of electronic waste and to promote the sustainable recovery of raw materials. " Press Release of the initiative
The initiative consists of cooperating with each other working groups ( called Task Forces ) with specific topics. A focal point of the activity is cooperation with government institutions to implement research findings into practical solutions. The StEP initiative is coordinated by the research arm of the United Nations, the United Nations University (UNU ).
The medium-term objective of StEP " is - based on scientific analysis - to curb a global accepted standard for the treatment and prevention of electronic scrap waste, also resulting from inadequate backyard practices hazards for human and environment. " ( Rüdiger Kühr, Executive Secretary of the StEP Initiative) To to achieve this goal, StEP seek to develop concrete projects from multiple cross-sectoral dialogues out and perform. Thus, sustainable solutions are developed that reduce environmental risks, resources and increase energy efficiency and enable development.
The organization of the initiative
The supreme body of the initiative is the General Assembly, which will decide on the orientation of the initiative. This General Assembly is a document signed by all members of the Memorandum of Understanding based, which holds the principles of the initiative. A beherbergtes at the UNU in Bonn Secretariat is entrusted with the daily tasks of the initiative. A composite consisting of representatives of key stakeholders " Steering Committee" will oversee the progress of StEP.
" Policy ", " ReDesign ", " ReUse ", " recycling " and " Capacity Development ": The core of the initiative are the five Task Forces (TF). These task forces working on research and analysis on the topic and the implementation of projects.
TF 1 - Policy: The objective of this Task Force is a site identification and analysis of the current approaches and measures relating to electrical and electronic waste. Based on this analysis, recommendations for future regulatory activities to be delivered.
TF2 - ReDesign: This task force is concerned with the development of electrical and electronic equipment. This is especially placed on reducing the negative effects of these devices throughout their life- cycle value. Here also the situation of developing countries is taken into account.
TF3 - ReUse: The focus of this Task Force is focused on the development of sustainable, transferable principles and standards for reuse.
TF4 - Recycling: This task force is the improvement of infrastructures, systems and technologies of sustainable recycling.
TF5 - Capacity Building: The first objective of this Task Force is to raise public awareness of the problem of electrical and electronic scrap attention. This will be achieved by the findings of the task forces, but also by other actors in this area, gained are made generally available. It developed the Task Force and its work is based on networks, the Internet, and collaborative work enabling online tools.
Guiding principles:
1 StEP bases its work on scientific knowledge, taking into account the social, environmental and economic aspects of electronic waste problem.
StEP 2 examines the entire life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment. This includes their worldwide delivery, processing, and global material flows.
3 Steps studies and pilot projects will help to develop solutions for e-waste problem.
4 StEP condemns all illegal activities, including illegal transboundary shipments of electronic waste and reuse or recycling methods that harm the environment or human health.
5 StEP aims to promote safe and environmentally friendly and energy-efficient reuse and recycling methods that are also our social responsibility worldwide.