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Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Seattle, says a state law that just went into effect to encourage recycling of electronics needs some tinkering to make sure it doesn't inadvertently bankrupt businesses that fix old computers. Hudgins' South Seattle district includes several computer-refurbishing shops. The law went into effect yesterday. It allows consumers to recycle computers, computer monitors, laptops and TVs for free. It is being hailed as groundbreaking nationally because it marks the first time a state has forced electronics manufacturers to pay the entire cost of the recycling. But there's a big problem with the law, according to environmentalists as well as the computer refurbishers. They say it puts a big hurdle in the way of the computer rebuilders. So Hudgins says he is drafting legislation in an attempt to fix the problem. The legislation would allow nonprofit groups to fix perhaps 500 to 1,000 computers per year for resale to the public.

Let's talk about electronic waste, better known as e-waste. STORY TOOLS Years ago, if a toy or appliance broke, your mom or dad would try to fix it, often with mixed results. But few people understand how e-products work, much less how to fix them. When televisions and computers first came out, old ones were often passed down to relatives, charities or to schools. But now, lower prices and rapid development in technology are sending more and more televisions and computers to the e-waste trash heap. Just how many? In 1970, the average household in Washington averaged one television set per household, and personal computers were unheard of. The Department of Ecology estimates that by the end of 2008 there will be one television for every person in the state and even more computers than people.

Attero Recycling was born in February 2008. Even before setting up the plant and starting operations, they managed to raise $6.3 million from VC firms NEA-IndoUS Venture and Draper Fisher Jurvetson.

A state law that just went into effect to encourage recycling of electronics needs some tinkering to make sure it doesn't inadvertently bankrupt businesses that fix old computers, says a state legislator whose South Seattle district includes several computer-refurbishing shops. The law allows consumers to recycle computers, computer monitors, laptops and TVs for free. In effect as of Thursday, it is being hailed as groundbreaking nationally because it marks the first time a state has forced electronics manufacturers to pay the entire cost of the recycling. But there's a big problem with the law, according to environmentalists as well as the computer refurbishers: It puts a big hurdle in the way of the computer rebuilders.

SEATTLE - A new state law that helps you get rid of your old electronics for free is hurting charities. Charities can no longer fix up old equipment to reuse it, but a brand new bill headed to the state legislature Wednesday could bring some relief. Representative Zack Hudgins' new bill aims to allow electronics collectors to make minor repairs so they can reuse old electronics. The current law is a problem for charities like Interconnection in Seattle. Since the new recycling law went into affect on January 1st, they now have to throw away hundreds of computers that could be put to good use. At Interconnection, you'll find trained hands tinkering with donated computers.

There are times when you get stuck with a whole bunch of retired IT assets gathering dust in your storehouse. The reason - you are not getting the right value. In this case, you have a difficult decision on your hands - repair or recycle? If you buy new electronics, you'll have to dispose of the old ones. Also, making constant fixes to outdated gadgets could be more expensive. Which one will turn out to be the right choice? Confused? Don't worry! We can help you get out of this situation. Have a look at these solutions before you come to a conclusion.