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Kellner Bill Would Make It Easier for Consumers to Recycle Unwanted Electronics

March 13, 2009

According to the EPA, used or unwanted electronics amounted to 1.9 to 2.2 million tons of waste in 2005, of which 1.5 – 1.8 million tons were primarily disposed of in landfills and less than 400,000 tons (under 20%) were recycled. Every year this number grows.

Electronic waste is a major environmental health hazard, commonly containing cadmium, hexavalent chromium, brominated flame retardants as well as constituting 40% of the lead found in landfills and 22% of the annual world consumption of mercury. The sheer volume of improperly disposed of consumer electronics indicates that the strategy of encouraging consumers to mail unwanted electronics back to the manufacturer is failing.

Requiring big box retailers to collect consumer electronics for recycling and reuse makes it easier for the consumer to understand and participate in recycling. This way, a consumer can drop off their old television or DVD player when they go to shop for their new flatscreen or Blu-ray player.

My bill, the Consumer Electronics Recycling Act (A.6739), requires major retailers to collect unwanted electronics of the brands they sell in their stores. Retailers also have the option of entering into a collective collection plan with other retailers or not collecting electronics but paying into a local fund for electronics recycling. Retailers are required to provide information about their recycling program at the time a consumer makes a purchase, advertise their program in their store, and maintain a conspicuous location where unwanted electronics are collected.

At the same time, the bill bans the disposal of covered electronic equipment in any solid waste management facility. Once there is a convenient place for consumers to bring electronics for recycling, there is no longer any excuse for the pollution that comes with throwing electronics out with the trash.

For more information on how to dispose of your unwanted electronics right now, please see the New York City’s WasteLe$$ website, which has information about take-back programs, Sanitation recycling events, and the new New York City recycling laws.

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Written by Micah · Filed Under Albany Report, Blogroll, Legislative Updates 

Comments

One Response to “Kellner Bill Would Make It Easier for Consumers to Recycle Unwanted Electronics”

  1. John - Computer Recycling Advocate on August 7th, 2009 2:53 am

    2.2 Million Pounds is a staggering number. I had no idea the e-waste recycling problem was staggering.

    Nice site,

    Josh

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