Why We Need E-Waste Legislation
By Commissioner Chris Endresen

The current voluntary system for safe recycling of electronic waste isn’t working. Less than ten percent of discarded computers are currently recycled, with the remainder stockpiled or improperly disposed of. Nationally, about two million tons, or 4,000,000,000 pounds, of electronic waste are generated each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Televisions and computers can contain up to eight pounds of lead, as well as other toxic materials like mercury and cadmium, which can leach into and poison drinking water supplies. Fifty to eighty percent of the e-waste collected for recycling is being exported to Asian countries, which have no infrastructure to accommodate the hazardous properties of e-waste.

Fortunately, these problems have been recognized and addressed by Washington State. On March 24, 2006, Governor Christine Gregoire signed into law the most comprehensive electronic waste recycling bill in the country. Senate bill 6428, which easily passed both the state house and senate, requires electronics manufacturers to pay for the collection, transportation and recycling of computers, monitors and TVs from consumers, small businesses, schools, small governments and charities in the state. This is a dramatic shift from what was previously a consumer and taxpayer financial burden. A diverse group of stakeholders supported the bill, including computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard Co., Seattle electronics recycler Total Reclaim, Inc., mega-retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Amazon.com.

The bill created the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority to develop and implement a statewide electronics collection and recycling program by January 1, 2009. Manufacturers have a choice to implement their own recycling program or pay to participate in a centralized plan the authority will operate.

Washington joins Maine, California and Maryland in enacting e-waste legislation, but ours is the most comprehensive to date. The New York Times credited Washington State as “enacting the most far-reaching electronic waste bill to date.” Washington’s landmark bill creates a free, safe and simple electronics recycling program without additional taxes or fees for residents. It provides recycling options in every county in the state, and it prohibits the use of prison labor for e-waste disassembly.

While I acknowledge that consumers will still pay for the recycling as part of overall system costs when they purchase computers and TVs, at least now there is no disincentive to recycle when you have to pay for disposal when your TV dies. You will be able to do it safely and for free under this new law. In the meantime, you can learn about safe disposal of electronics at the Kitsap County Public Works website.

This issue could have become another unfunded state mandate for local government and our taxpayers to shoulder the costs. I want to thank our legislators for providing a solution that includes funding!

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