Treehugger Tuesday

New York E-Waste Recycling Law Goes Into Effect Today (April 1, 2011)
by Rachel Cernansky

As of today, New Yorkers can recycle their electronics—computers, TVs, DVD players, etc.—at no charge. The Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, which was signed into law last year but goes into effect today, requires manufacturers to take back electronics—no matter who made it—for recycling whenever customers purchase a new product.

That means if someone is buying a new computer from one manufacturer, that company is required to accept the person's used computer, regardless of what brand it is. It must then recycle or reuse the products, and not dispose of them in landfill or hazardous waste sites, the way so much of our e-waste is.

Manufacturers must register with the Department of Environmental Conservation, which oversees the law, and establish a convenient program for collecting electronics, but it's up to them whether to accept items in stores, through collection events, or mail-back programs.

Visit DEC online for more info, including a list of specific items covered by the law, or sign up for their mailing list to receive updates.

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens called this a huge win for the environment and consumers. "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."