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.
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.
For years, human rights advocates and environmentalists have sounded the alarm about the export of old computers and other electronic equipment to recyclers overseas.
Collective concern from businesses, municipalities, environmentalists and manufacturers over the hazards of e-waste has led to a search for ways to reduce its environmental impact. With a greater need for programs that handle collection and disposal of used electronics products in a way that is safest for the environment, product stewardship is emerging as a viable and cost-efficient strategy for doing so, placing the responsibility for a product's proper disposal on the shoulders of the company that makes or sells the product, or even upon the purchaser. The concept can be applied to a range of products, from paints and prescription medication to batteries and computers. Written by Carl Smith, CEO of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, 7/22/09.
