Beijing proposes new regulations: Recycling smartphones & PCs

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Every year, billions of smartphones and personal computers are sold. Of course, billions of these devices already exist. Thus, there is a problem of electronic waste which the industry is now trying to curb. Apple claims that removing the smartphone charger is one way of reducing this waste. However, governments are now taking concrete actions to curb the situation. A few days ago, the Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation issued a draft for comments on the recycling regulations for electrical and electronic waste products.

The draft clearly specifies the collection process. When recycling mobile phones, computers and other electronic products that involve personal privacy, operators of the product recycling must clean up users’ personal information. This way, it will protect customers’ privacy, and not disclose customer-related information to third parties.

Recycling smartphones and other electronic waste

In addition, operators of recycling electrical and electronic products should adopt various methods. These methods will provide users of electrical and electronic products with convenient and fast recycling services. There are also specific collection channels. Some of the “electronic waste” collection channels are trade-in recycling at sales outlets; after-sales service maintenance recycling; community recycling; institutional recycling; internet recycling and so on.

The draft states that the collection process includes the following relevant requirements:

a) Business operation specifications should be available for the collection process;

b) There will be no random stacking, dismantling or discarding of the electronic waste product

c) When collecting waste electrical and electronic products containing refrigerant, there must be safety precautions. 

d) In the process of handling, loading and unloading, the waste electrical and electronic products should be prevented from being damaged and causing environmental pollution;

e) When recycling products that hold users’ information, there should be a complete clean-up of the device. 

f) There should be no disclosure of customer personal information to third parties.