Export of computer waste is inadmissible
The export of defective computers and computer materials, to be recycled in Third World countries, is, in our opinion, an extremely evil practice. Recycling in Third World countries is often done in totally unacceptable ways. Often also using child labor. It is therefore important that depreciated hardware be processed within the Netherlands and according to our Dutch environmental standards. Our government in The Hague is also of this opinion. Therefore, as of July 2015, WEEELABEX certification was made mandatory for companies dealing with discarded computer hardware. IT recycling is one of the first to have this certification. So we are authorized for computer and technology waste collection, data destruction, and computer hardware testing and buyout. We are sad to note that – despite the introduction of WEEELABEX and ever-improving controls – a lot of computer waste is still being exported. This is done by companies that clearly put monetary gain ahead of environmental and social responsibility. Still many containers full of it-related waste arrive every day in Third World countries. The human and environmental consequences are dramatic. We would even venture to say that a significant portion of the computer waste collected in the country goes straight to the Third World.
