NEW YORK--New York City Council passed legislation Wednesday that makes New York the first major municipality in the nation to tackle the rising tide of discarded electronics in the waste stream.
Manufacturers of computers, TVs and MP3 players will have to take responsibility for the collection of their own electronic products when New Yorkers want to dispose of them. The law phases in a city-wide electronics recycling program for the 25,000 tons of discarded electronics the city collects annually.
The law known as Intro. 104-A, was sponsored by 47 council members. Proponents say the measure will save the city money and give manufacturers the incentive to design less toxic and easier-to-recycle products. The city's Department of Sanitation will have to approve each manufacturer's collection plan, which could include curbside collection, drop-off events or mail-in programs.
The new measure received support from major corporations such as Apple and GE, and Tekserve, one of New York City's largest computer retailers. The law requires companies to begin collecting old equipment in July 2009.
Starting in July 2010, the Department of Sanitation will no longer accept electronic products covered in the bill for collection and can fine manufacturers if they fail to submit approvable plans and/or fail to meet specific performance standards in implementing them.
By 2012, manufacturers must take back at least 25 percent by weight of their current sales for recycling or reuse; by 2015 they must collect 45 percent. By 2018, manufacturers must collect at least 65 percent of their current sales.
Currently, much of New York City's electronic waste is burned in the Newark incinerator, polluting the air in New York and New Jersey with heavy metals.
Environment News Service
www.ens-newswire.com
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03/06/08 @ 10:05 