PROVIDENCE – A new law signed by Gov. Donald L. Carcieri will expand the state’s system for collecting and disposing of old computers, televisions and other electronics, making manufacturers responsible for their equipment when it is discarded.
The “Electronic Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling Act” – 2008 S 2631 Baa, sponsored by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, D-South Kingstown; and 2008 – H 7880A, sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy, D-Cranston – was approved by the General Assembly and signed by Carcieri last month.
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The law, which takes effect at the start of next year, establishes a manufacturer-financed system for the collection, recycling and reuse of electronics in Rhode Island , and bans products from being discarded in the Johnston landfill. It also creates incentives for manufacturers to reduce the amount of waste generated by their products.
State officials estimate that Rhode Islanders generate 7,500 tons of electronic waste each year. Less than 10 percent of discarded electronic equipment is currently recycled, according to Sen. Sosnowski’s office, which reports that there are an estimated 500 million obsolete computers in the United States , as well as millions of printers, cell phones, televisions and music players.
“We’re actually running out of space in our landfill in Johnston , and have been for several years,” Handy said in a statement. “This legislation includes a landfill ban to keep these products out in the short term, while giving manufacturers an incentive to design their products for recycling.”
Under the new law, e-waste collections will be free and offered in each of the state’s counties. Manufacturers will be able to either create their own collection system or pay into the state Resource Recovery Corporation’s e-waste recycling program, which will be expanded.
“Recycling computers and televisions makes sure that precious metals get reused and keeps toxic chemicals out of the landfill,” said Sheila Dormody, Rhode Island director of Clean Water Action.
The new law was backed by Hewlett-Packard, the Environmental Council of Rhode Island, Conservation Law Foundation, Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group, Ocean State Workplace Health, National Education Association of Rhode Island, American Lung Association of Rhode Island, Coalition for Consumer Justice, Ocean State Action, Childhood Lead Action, and Renewable Choice Energy, the lawmakers said.
Additional information about the R.I. General Assembly, including the House and Senate daily calendars and listings of measures introduced each day, is available at rilin.state.ri.us. News and information from the R.I. Governor’s Office are available at www.governor.ri.gov.
