Legislation sponsored by Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) that establishes a recycling program for computer equipment and televisions, was signed into law yesterday by Gov. Ed Rendell.
“The disposal of these electronic devices is potentially hazardous to the environment and while some manufacturers and communities have taken steps to address the disposal problem, there was no statewide solution until now,” Ross said. “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.”
Currently, the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 provides for mandatory recycling or proper disposal of certain materials in municipalities of more than 5,000 people, but the act does not specify computer equipment and televisions. House Bill 708 provides for the proper disposal of desktop and notebook computers, monitors and televisions used by small businesses and consumers for personal use.
“Our goal is to keep these cumbersome devices out of our landfills and to provide consumers and businesses employing 50 or fewer people with a safe means of disposal,” said Ross. “My legislation will require manufacturers to register their brands with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) within six months of the effective date of this legislation and to devise a plan to collect, transport and recycle televisions and personal computers.”
DEP will maintain a list on its website of each manufacturer and the brands the manufacturer uses for devices covered under the act. The new law goes into effect in 60 days.
