The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (USDOL/ILAB) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to inform future programming focused on improving working conditions in E-waste processing, from collection to disposal. E-waste includes a wide range of electric and electronic devices, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, mobile phones, computers, solar panels, and medical devices.
According to the World Health Organization, in 2020, the world generated 62 billion kg of E-waste, and it is projected to increase to 82 billion kg by 2030. However, only 17 percent of E-waste is properly processed, and in some cases, shipped illegally to other countries for disposal. Approximately 64 million people work in the waste management sector worldwide, and the number is expected to grow by 70 percent by 2030, particularly in E-waste processing.
This request is for information purposes only, to help ILAB gain a better understanding of working conditions in the processing of E-waste, including the collection of such materials, and how they are recycled, traced, or disposed of in a final state (such as burned or buried). This RFI seeks to identify efforts of businesses, governments, international organizations, worker organizations, NGOs, and other actors to create decent work and promote fundamental labor rights in E-waste processing, including:
- Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
- Elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor.
- Effective abolition of child labor.
- Elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation.
- Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.
Responses to this RFI are due no later than Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:59PM EDT.
Learn more about the RFI and details on how to submit your response.