Global Recycling

Recycling end-of-life products globally

In order to ensure efficient use of resources and appropriate treatment of hazardous substances, in accordance with recycling regulations in each country and territory of the world, Toshiba Group is promoting the collection and recycling of products that customers have discontinued to use. In order to minimize collection and recycling costs as it complies with each country's recycling scheme, the Group aims to increase the volume of end-of-life products recycled by 180% compared to the 2001 level by 2012. In Japan, in addition to products covered by the Law for the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances, the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources, and other relevant laws, it has established a unique scheme to collect medical equipment, elevators, MFP/POS systems, and other products. Toshiba Group also responds appropriately to the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Europe*¹ and state laws in the United States. Furthermore, it is preparing to respond appropriately to recycling-related laws enacted in China and expected to be enacted in the future by governments in Asia, Oceania, Central and South America and other regions. In FY2010, in Japan and abroad, Toshiba Group collected about 166,000 tons of end-of-life products, of which it recycled about 130,000 tons. The Group increased the weight of end-of-life products recycled by 283%, exceeding the goal*² substantially for FY2010, because both the volume of four types of waste home appliances collected under the eco-point system in Japan and that of end-of-life products collected in Europe and North America were increased. In the future, Toshiba Group will continue to increase the volume of end-of-life products collected and recycled in Japan and establish a collection scheme in a wider range of its overseas locations.

Volume of end-of-life products recycled (global)

Breakdown of the volume of end-of-life products recycled (FY2010)

Looking at the volume of end-of-life products recycled by region, in Japan 86% of the total volume is recycled, with four types of home appliances accounting for the bulk of this. Major items collected and recycled in Europe, which has the next highest recycling ratio after Japan, include TV sets, PCs, multifunctional peripherals (MFPs), and medical equipment. In the U.S., major items include TV sets and PCs. Increasing the volume of end-of-life products collected and recycled in China and other Asian countries is a future issue to be addressed.

Volume of end-of-life products recycled by region (FY2010)

*1

The WEEE Directive is a directive of the European Union concerning waste electrical and electronic equipment.

*2

The FY2010 goal was to increase the weight of end-of-life products recycled by 160% compared to the FY2001 level.

*3

Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC (MRM) is a recycling management firm established jointly with Panasonic Corp. and Sharp Corp. in September 2007. For more details visit its website: http://www.mrmrecycling.com/ (A separate window will open.)

Topic: The recycling weight to the sales weight from fiscal year 2001 was shown below (TV, air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, and PC) [01 Sep, 2011]

Accumulated Sales Weight (worldwide)

Accumulated Recycled Weight (worldwide)

Topic: Global recycling rates (TVs and PCs) based on the average lifespan of the product [1 Sep. 2011]

The following figures show the global recycling rates regarding TVs and PCs from 2006 to 2010 based on the average life-span of the product.

- For instance,
- The TVs' recycling rate for 2010 means the ratio of the weight of TVs recycled in 2010 against the weight of TVs sold in 2000, based on its lifespan as 10 years.
- The PCs' recycling rate for 2010 means the ratio of the weight of PCs recycled in 2010 against the weight of PCs sold in 2003, based on its lifespan as 7 years.

TVs-Recycled amount and recycling rates (worldwide)

PCs-Recycled amount and recycling rates (worldwide)

Topic: Toshiba started a recycling venture, Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC (MRM). [20 Feb. 2008]

Toshiba is now focused on making MRM successful in providing manufacturer-led management of the e-waste issue in the United States in an efficient, cost-effective, and consumer-friendly manner. In January 2008, Toshiba concluded its membership with Electronic Manufacturers Coalition for Responsible Recycling (EMCRR).

Topic: Toshiba Group Position on Individual Producer Responsibility [5 Nov. 2007]

Toshiba Group thinks the concept of IPR is one of the effective approaches to encourage design for recycling. Toshiba has already started its own take back solutions; for example, Toshiba's Trade-In and Recycling Program in the United States and Toshiba's Environmental Recovery and Recycling Effort (TERRE) in Canada.

Toshiba Group believes that a successful recycling system is contingent upon society and the infrastructure that exists in that society. Importantly, Toshiba believes that to maximize recycling, associated costs placed on the general public should be minimal.

Accordingly, the development of recycling systems should take into account national synergies -- including the formation of partnerships or joint efforts -- which can increase efficiencies, drive costs out of recycling systems and lead to increased rates of recycling.

The concept of Individual Producer Responsibility should incorporate flexibility to account for varied national arrangements that, when utilized, may serve to reduce recycling costs in total, resulting in increased recycling rates.

Case Studies in FY2009

• FY2009
• FY2008

Case Study in FY2008

• FY2009
• FY2008