FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2010
CONTACT: Tom Cheney, (802) 828-2245
Montpelier, Vt – Today, the Vermont House of Representatives passed S.77, An Act Relating to the Disposal of Electronic Waste. The bill bans the disposal in landfills of computers and other electronic devices that contain toxins, and it establishes a convenient, free way for consumers to recycle them.
In 2008, 1.6 million pounds of discarded electronics—the fastest growing portion of solid waste in the state and the country—were collected in Vermont . The collection and recycling of these materials have largely been the financial responsibility of consumers and solid waste districts.
“Until now, Vermonters have had to foot the bill for the disposal of their electronic equipment,” said Speaker Smith. “This bill works with manufacturers to ensure that Vermonters are able to drop off their electronics safely and for free.”
With passage of S. 77, manufacturers of the most common and problematic electronic products will be required to implement a system, by 2012, to collect their products at the end-of-life that is free and convenient to consumers. This effort will be funded by a registration and implementation fee paid by manufacturers. The programs must meet convenience standards of at least one permanent site per town or city with a population of 10,000 or more, and three permanent sites per county
“Rather than waiting for special collection days, Vermonters will now be able to safely dispose of their electronics at their leisure,” said Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee Tony Klein. “This bill establishes clear performance goals and convenience standards which will ensure that this program is as effective as possible.”
Some twenty states have passed similar legislation and manufacturers have implemented such programs. S. 77 passed the Senate 23-4 last year. The House passed the bill by a unanimous voice vote, sending the bill back to the Senate for final approval.
