Expands recycling of electronic products

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic1

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Pete Harckham says this is needed

Electronic waste recycling is a valuable part of environmental steward- ship. Electronic products contain many non-biodegradable substances and other toxic parts. By diverting these products from landfills and reclaiming what can be reclaimed and isolating the toxic elements, enti- ties can limit the exposure to pollutants that result from throwing old cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions and computers into the garbage. This is why New York implemented the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, which requires electronics manufacturers to recycle e-waste. However, insufficient involvement from the manufacturers and lack of fixed collection centers has caused instability in the electronics recy- cling market for counties and local governments. Localities are there- fore absorbing the costs of this program when it is the responsibility of the manufacturers to absorb the end of life cost of e-waste. This legislation seeks to improve upon the program by addressing the needs of consumers and municipalities. First, the mail-back recycling program has proven to be unrealistic and inconvenient. Consumers are not utilizing it to recycle their large electronic waste, like televisions. The bill eliminates this option and instead creates a comprehensive system that ensures people have access to convenient drop-off locations or collection events. The legislation also helps stakeholders become more aware of their responsibilities under the recycling law and will also expand awareness. Further, by improving upon the reporting require- ments, manufacturers and recyclers will have the incentive to conduct outreach for the programs and therefore promote lasting cultural know- ledge of e-waste recycling. Lastly, this bill will allow the state to better understand the role out-of-state manufacturers play in the recy- cling process and address those concerns as appropriate.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.