Target

Bullseye on E-waste

Target is the fourth largest retailer of consumer electronics in the United States, yet it does not have an electronics recycling and take-back strategy. Though the company provides take-back bins for small electronics, such as music players and cellular phones, it provides no recycling options for large items such as TVs, stereos, and computers. Further, it does not disclose substantive information about the disposition of electronics it collects, whether it promotes reuse of working equipment, and bars export of collected electronics to the developing countries.

In March 2011, the company agreed to pay a $22 million fine to the state of California for more than 300 instances of improper disposal of hazardous waste including discarded electronics. Improper disposal of electronics in developing countries can result in serious public health and environmental impacts. Analog TV sets and computer monitors contain large amounts of lead, flat screen monitors contain mercury switches, and computer batteries contain cadmium.

In 2011 and 2012, As You Sow filed shareholder resolutions asking Target to describe policy options to minimize the environmental impacts of its electronics recycling policies, such as promoting reuse of working equipment and preventing export to developing countries of hazardous e-waste and untested or non-working equipment or components.

The aim is of our engagement is to encourage Target to develop electronics recycling policies matching Best Buy's. Following engagement with As You Sow, Best Buy successfully adopted expanded recycling policies and began provide take-back for consumer electronics across their U.S. stores.

30.8% of Target's shareholders supported As You Sow's 2011 resolution, several times higher than the expected level of support for a first-year resolution on this issue.

Despite this clear message from shareholders, Target has failed to take substantive action toward providing in-store recycling. Investors holding over $2 billion of shares supported the 2012 resolution and As You Sow has filed a proposal again for 2013.

Read more about our work on Electronic Waste Recycling >>