Notes from MSTPO Call
7/21/05
Participants
Mike Foulkes, Apple
Hillary Miller, Maryland Dept of the Environment
Dave Mrgich, Maryland Dept of the Environment
Ric Erdheim, Philips
Garth Hickle, Minnesota OEA
Tom Sipher, Thomson
Lynn Williams, EPA Region 10
Dave Nightingale, WA Dept of Ecology
Scott Klag, Metro Oregon
Kathy Osdobda, EPA
Heather Bowman, HP
Marc Pearl, CERC
Jay Illingworth, Electronics Product Stewardship Canada
Dave Betts, Electronics Product Stewardship Canada
Holly Evans, NCER Consultant
Walter Alcorn, NCER Consultant
Jason Linnell, NCER
Agenda
- Introductions
- Update on NW TPO project
Jason briefed the group on the status of the NW TPO project. There are currently 9 manufacturers who are funding the Phase 1 research portion of this project (Epson, HP, IBM, JVC, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony). The group is currently working on two models of TPOs, one that would function in a fee-based electronics recycling system, and another that would work under producer responsibility system. Jason reviewed the outlines of the two TPO models under discussion, but noted that they were still being revised with the input received at the meeting. At that meeting held last week, the manufacturers on the Steering Committee narrowed down the list of questions that need to be addressed and identified topics for further research. The plan is to complete Phase 1 by the end of 2005, and then have the manufacturers decide whether to form a TPO as part of Phase 2.
Garth Hickle asked if the project is looking at the TPO from other vantage points, and trying to determine how manufacturers and other stakeholders might participate. He asked if there would be any outreach to legislators/policymakers about the use of a TPO in electronics recycling systems. Dave Nightingale noted that the NW TPO project itself isn’t specifically doing outreach to policymakers. Jason said that the TPO fact sheet developed in this project committee can be used by any stakeholder to educate policymakers on the functions and reasons for utilizing a TPO.
- Current TPO models under consideration
Jason noted that the TPO idea has come up in policy discussions recently in WashingtonState and the NERC-ERC Regional Electronics Project. This shows an increased interest in the use of a TPO for administering electronics recycling systems, but the two discussions are looking at different TPO models.
- Review Possible Roles for TPO in Existing/Proposed Programs document (see attached)
Several participants said this document added value. Holly, Jason and Walter will review the categories and provide suggested revisions back to the group. Hillary Miller requested that the group provide input to the responses once the categories are finalized.
- Input to NW project
Tom Sipher is interested in following the financial flows on the funding, the paying and the timing in between. It’s a business and not necessarily an environmental or recycling issue but will add credibility to the project. Tom is looking for a cash flow model to be included in this project.
Jason Linnell also provided feedback back to this group from an earlier Recycler TPO call. Need to make sure that a TPO would be more efficient than a government program, and that they recognized that there will be winners and losers. They stressed the need for transparency in the TPO if recyclers are to be audited and certified. Whether multi-state or single state approach is preferable depends.
Marc Pearl said he doesn’t think it makes any sense to do different TPOs in every state. The group discussed the practicality of working across state lines.
- Presentation from EPSC (see attached) and Q&A for EPSC
Jay Illingworth gave a presentation on EPSC and its activities. The member companies are leading companies seeking a level playing field. On of their key mandates is harmonization across the 13 Canadian provinces (a federal approach is not a possibility in Canada). Dave Betts also added that EPSC is an industry-only body. He also said that there will need to be a different TPO in each province, but with standard pricing, standard products, standard compliance and a common recycler standard. EPSC’s role is to get things started in each province and then be the industry voice. Dave also said they have been involved in setting up TPOs in a couple provinces and will share these materials with Jason. Dave discussed the upcoming regulations in Saskatchewan (very simple, says that it should be industry managed), and how EPSC hopes to start up the TPO there and then leave it to be managed by a local management authority.Alberta has chosen a different path.
Jason said he will distribute info received from EPSC to the MSTPO Project Committee.