Take a Load Off: Chrysler and three manufacturers of lead wheel weights have agreed to phase out the lead-based weights in California to settle a lawsuit brought by an environmental group that contends the devices endanger drinking water.

 

Lead wheel weights, which are used for tire balancing, have been under attack by environmental groups for years. They were banned in Europe in 2005 and are being phased out in Japan and elsewhere.

 

As the lead weights are discontinued, they are being replaced by similar parts made of steel or zinc alloy. The replacement weights are bigger and cost as much as 30% more, but consumers won´t notice the cost increase because the weights typically cost less than $1 per wheel, the Los Angeles Times reports.

 

China to Regulate E-waste: China´s State Council has approved a draft law on the management of electronic waste, according to a report published today by Chinaview.com:

 

"The country will set up a mechanism to encourage recycling and centralized treatment of electronic waste. It also stipulated the respective responsibilities of manufacturers, retailers, repair and customer service providers and recycling companies in regards to the collection and treatment of electronic waste. These included used TV sets, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and computers, among others.

 

"The draft was approved following years of debate over the issue in China, whose 1.3 billion people and rapid improvement of living standards made it one of the world´s major manufacturers and consumers of electronic products."

 

Bottled Water Blacklisted: The city of London, Ontario, has banned the sale of bottled water in city buildings, arenas and community centers because of large increases in the number of plastic water bottles being recycled.

 

Some environmentalists are hailing the move as a tipping point that may turn the tide in Canada against bottled water, which many Canadians regard as wasteful and unnecessary, the Toronto Globe and Mail reports.

 

Pete Fehrenbach is managing editor of Waste News. Past installments of this column are collected in the Inbox archive.

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