United States | The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) in the United States has published their 2007 per capita collection index (PCCI) for electronics recycling. The PCCI is an index that measures collection amounts of used electronic equipment such as computers, televisions and monitors in six ongoing electronics recycling programs across the United States. Based on the NCER's data gathering and analysis, the 2007 PCCI value was 14% higher than in 2006.
‘Since our first per capita collection index was just published last year, we are excited now to have two years of data to compare,’ says NCER Executive Director Jason Linnell. ‘A 14% increase over the 2006 index value suggests that consumers with access to these recycling programs are participating in increasing numbers and volumes. In 5 of the 6 index jurisdictions we saw an increase in per capita collection rates in 2007 over 2006. We expect to see even higher collection rates in the coming years as consumers become more aware of these programs and the need for recycling electronics.’
The PCCI is calculated and published on an annual basis and tracks trends in specific recycling programs over time. A rising per capita index indicates an increase in the collection of e-waste across the programs included in the index and suggests a similar trend nation-wide. Per capita values are based on actual amounts collected in those jurisdictions and are not adjusted to account for variations in product scope or eligible participants (such as businesses versus households) across different programs. Therefore, the numeric value of the average pounds collected per capita - 4.2 in 2007 versus 3.7 in 2006 - is not as relevant an indicator as the annual percentage increase.
The NCER also recently launched a newly designed website after assuming the electronicsrecycling.org domain name. The new website boasts improved navigation and functionality, as well as updated content. ‘We are working every day to improve upon the new site design as well as to increase the amount of information we have available to the public,’ says NCER Project and Communications Manager Heather Smith. "This site received approximately 1.6 million page requests in 2007, which is indicative of the growing interest in electronics recycling.’
Acknowledgement
More information and background on the PCCI can be found on the NCER website at www.electronicsrecycling.org and also on the National Electronics Recycling Infrastructure Clearinghouse (NERIC) website at www.ecyclingresource.org.
