On Jun 8, 4:37�pm, Highland Ham
wrote:
(N2EY wrote):
Here in the USA, a number of states require a
deposit (usually five cents) on beverage containers.
That deposit is typically far more than the intrinsic worth of the
metal, glass or plasti in the container, but that's not the point.
Instead, the deposit makes it worthwhile to collect and
recycle the
containers, keeping them out of the trash stream and
reducing litter.
Why couldn't there be such a deposit on electronics?

=======================================
In the Netherlands and other EU countries all electrical goods are
subjected to a 'prepaid removal fee' �This variable fee is
payable on
purchase ,be it an electric toothbrush ,a microwave oven
or a TV set
,computer ,printer etc. It means that upon disposal the unit
can be
taken to any retailer who is obliged to dispose of the
equipment in a
responsible way(recycle yard)

Also spent alkaline,Nicad,NiMH ,any type of battery
can be put in a
container at any retailer including supermarkets who
are selling these
batteries , even if you do not intend to buy batteries at that time.

That's close to what I'm talking about. Seems to me that's a better
solution than demanding no lead-containing solder.

In the UK they are lagging behind with these measures.

Here in the USA, some retailers (Home Depot, Staples, Pep Boys)
have done similar things for batteries, motor oil, printer cartridges,
compact flourescent lamps, cell phones and some other items.
In some cases
it's a government regulation, in others it's a way to get you into
the store, and in others it's just a desire to do the right thing
rather
than being forced to do it.

The idea of building in the disposal cost up-front is a good one,
IMHO, because it reveals the true cost of the item, not just the
immediate cost.

73 de Jim, N2EY