E-Waste Recycling
#6428: E-Waste Recycling (2006)
Providing electronic product recycling through manufacturer financed opportunities.
Supported by Sierra Club (3 points).
Signed into law.
This legislation sets up a first-in-the-nation electronic waste recycling programs. Starting in 2009, electronics manufacturers will have to establish and pay for programs that enable consumers to recycle their old computers and televisions. Other states have recycling programs but consumers must foot the bill. Computers and televisions contain some toxic chemicals, and when they are not disposed of properly, they can be a major source of contamination.
Sen. Craig Pridemore was an incredible champion. The bill enjoyed support from major retailers and some of the most prominent computer manufacturers as well, including Hewlitt Packard. A number of television manufacturers, including Panasonic opposed the bill, and they tried block final passage in the Senate.
Sen. Craig Pridemore and Rep. Brian Sullivan for sponsoring the bill and their strong leadership.
Sen. Joe Zarelli for trying to block final passage of the bill in the Senate. Instead, he tried to steer it towards a conference committee, where it could have been weakened, or, worse, died because the conferees couldn't reach agreement on the final language and time ran out.