NYC Council Approves Bill Requiring Residents to Recycle Electronics
by Earth 911 on February 14th, 2008
The New York Times reports that New York’s City Council has approved a bill to fine anyone $100 for throwing an electronic device in the garbage can, making recycling these products mandatory.
Fines will begin in 2010, but by then the city plans to have options including curbside and in-store electronics recycling. Collection would begin by manufacturers in 2009.
Manufacturers will be required to take back not only their own products, but those made by companies that are out of business starting in 2011. They would have to recycle 25 percent of the weight sold over the past three years to city residents. Manufacturers who don’t comply with the law will face a $2,000 fine per product refused.
The law passed by a 47-3 measure, although Mayor Bloomberg is in opposition and could still veto. New York is the first city in the U.S. to pass an electronics recycling law that affects manufacturers.
Electronics products contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury that can contaminate the environment. To find a location to recycle your electronics, use Earth 911’s recycling locator.
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