The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has put into effect the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, which will establish a comprehensive electronic waste, or “e-waste,” product stewardship program.
A statewide e-waste goal has been established and requires manufacturers to recycle their share, based on a market share goal.
“This is a huge win for the environment and consumers, who will now be able to recycle electronic waste at no cost,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. “Manufacturers of TV’s, computers, printers, copiers and other electronic products are stepping up to help New York meet our ambitious recycling goals and lower costs for local governments.”
The law requires manufacturers that sell electronic equipment to register with the DEC and establish a convenient program for collection of any waste that would be free of charge to all consumers, schools, governments and businesses with fewer than 50 employees and not-for-profit organizations with fewer than 75 employees. All registered manufacturers must create a public education program to inform consumers about returned products that are covered under the law.
Manufacturers are required to accept any electronic product they manufacturer or an item of another manufacturer’s brand if offered to the consumer when purchasing a similar type of electronic item. For example, if someone is buying a new computer that is a different brand than the one they currently own, the manufacturer must accept the old computer.
“As we move into spring cleaning, New Yorkers finally have a safer way to get rid of their old electronics,” said Kate Sinding, senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “This cutting-edge recycling program requires manufacturers to provide all consumers in the state with well-publicized and convenient options for getting rid of used electronics. As we start clearing our old appliances out of our apartments, closets and garages, we will look to manufacturers to make sure all New Yorkers know how to safely give them back for recycling.”
Consumers that are included under the new law are any individual, state agency, public corporation, public school, school district, private or parochial school, board of cooperative educational services or governmental entity located in New York State.
The law also established a ban on disposal of e-waste that began April 1 for manufacturers, retailers, collection sites, and consolidation and recycling facilities. Beginning January 1, 2015, individuals and households will no longer be able to place or dispose of any electronic waste in a landfill or waste-to-energy facility, or place electronic waste for collection, which is intended for disposal at such types of facilities.
For more information, such as a specific list of which electronic devices are covered by the law, which manufacturers have collection plans in place and links to their web sites, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/65583.html.
