As thousands and thousand of electronics continue to be disposed in landfills, the e-waste dilemma is starting to garnish attention. Not just anyone’s attention neither, but that of state legislators. As of now, nineteen states have implemented some sort of electronics waste program. New York could become the twentieth state if they are able to defeat the Computer Electronic Association (CEA) and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI).
Oral hearings are scheduled to begin next week between the CEA/ITI and New York City in a court hearing concerning the city’ proposed recycling program. If the program passes, manufacturers will be forced to have more of a role in the recycling of their products. On the other side of things if the program is denied there is a fear that this could hurt existing programs and stall chances for future ones.
While keeping e-waste out of landfills is the main reason such programs are being put in place. There is still another issue that the proposed recycling program could solve. Forcing manufacturers to be responsible for their products at the end of their life cycle shifts the cost of recycling to the state and municipalities to the users and manufacturers of those products. This would cancel out the recycling fees for everyone and hold just the consumers and manufacturers responsible.
The bill was originally passed in 2008. It was suppose to begin collection from manufacturers in 2009 and with fines for residents beginning this year. In the bill there is a rule that deems the manufacturers are responsible for direct pick up of anything over 15 pounds. Manufacturers believe that this rule in the law is unconstitutional because it requires situational burdens and non-existing expenses. Many supporters of the bill believe that the CEA and ITI are interpreting the bill in the most burdensome view in order to help get their way.
Being the first law passed in the city that deals with e-waste, manufacturers are not ready for change. They don’t see the possibilities in increasing recycling efforts, job creation, and saving in expenses. All of this will be figured out in the coming months as the State defends it plan against the CEA and ITI. If the law is passed, New York City residents will be required to start recycling electronics starting July 1st.
The e-waste dilemma isn’t just going to go away. More and more programs are taking an initiative to help solve this ongoing issue. Recycling for Charities is just one example of programs that are set up to reduce e-waste pollution. Not only does Recycling for Charities keep e-waste out of landfills, but it gives back funding directly to charities. That is just on a non-profit level. If states continue to pursue e-waste legislation more and more programs and opportunities will develop to continue to help the cause.
