Electronics manufacturers in Pennsylvania are now mandated to fund and manage e-waste recycling programs.
The Covered Device Recycling Act establishes a recovery/take-back program for such electronic devices as computer monitors, desktop and notebook computers, and televisions used by residents and small businesses. The regulation makes Pennsylvania the 24th state with an e-waste law.
The state's Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 has provided for mandatory recycling or proper disposal of certain materials in municipalities of more than 5,000 people, but it never specified computer equipment and televisions.
Under the new law, manufacturers must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and pay a registration fee of $5,000. They also are required to establish recycling plans for their devices.
The law also bans electronics from landfills and requires retailers to provide customers with information about recycling the devices they purchase.
“This legislation will make recycling e-waste much more convenient for residents and small businesses while allowing manufacturers the opportunity to develop recycling systems that are cost effective,” says state Rep. Chris Ross, who sponsored the bill.
DEP will maintain a list on its Web site of each manufacturer and the brands used for devices covered under the act.
Visit www.depweb.state.pa.us.
