Electronic Waste Recycling - e-Waste

The proper handling and disposal of computer related equipment is critical to environmental protection. According to the Computer Take Back Campaign, hundreds of millions of computers will soon become obselete. These devices contain a selection of hazardous materials including lead, mercury and cadmium that must be handled with care to protect people and the environment. At this point, less than 10% of discarded computers are currently recycled.

As of March 2006, four states have taken action to encourage e-Waste recycling. Of the four laws, it appears that Washington will have the most far reaching and comprehensive rules. [click for a quick comparison of the four state rules]

Featured Rule:

• Washington - E-Waste Recycling
  In March 2006, the state of Washington passed an electronics recycling bill that requires manufacturers to finance the collection, transportation and recycling of old computers, monitors and televisions. With the implementation of this new "producer takeback" rule, Washington will become the fourth state to enact electronics recycling legislation. More...

Other Rules

• California - Electronic Waste Recycling
  The California Electronic Waste and Recycling Act of 2003 places an advanced recycling fee on the sale of new computer monitors, TVs, and laptop computers to fund a statewide recovery and end-of-life processing system for obsolete electronics. More...
• Maine - Electronic Waste Recycling
  Maine's e-Waste law passed in 2003 represents a partnership between the private sector, the public sector and consumers. No later than July 20, 2006, municipalities must ensure that waste televisions and computer monitors generated by households in Maine are recycled. Prior to that, manufacturers must pay the cost of consolidation and recycling of these items when they are handled by specified consolidators. More...
• Maryland - Electronic Waste Recyling
  This is a five year pilot program (expires 2010). Producers pay a $5000 registration fee per year to the state's recycling fund (or $500 in yrs 2-5 if they have instituted a takeback program. If counties set up computer collection/recycling programs, they can apply to the state recycling fund for grants to offset some costs. More...

More Resources:

• Elements of Model E-Waste Legislation - prepared by the Computer Take Back Campaign