PROBLEM: Counterfeit
electronic components, primarily from China, are threatening America’s
homeland security and military preparedness as well as critical
infrastructure such as telecommunications, power and
transportation. Counterfeiters take their essential raw materials from
e-waste exported from the United States and other countries, according
to a study by the U.S. Armed Services Committee.
SOLUTION:
While the federal government and defense industries are working to
improve prevention and detection measures, experts say we must also
choke off the counterfeiters’ feedstock: e-waste exports. The Coalition
for American Electronics Recyclers is calling on Congress to enact responsible electronics
recycling policies that would accomplish this by requiring domestic
recycling of untested, nonworking e-waste.