Sidebar: States Avoid the Vortex

About one-quarter of states have passed e-waste legislation. Most of the laws are so recent that they take effect in 2008 and 2009:

· Arkansas (HB 2115): Establishes a deadline for the disposal of computer and electronic waste in landfills. Only state agency-generated e-waste is covered. Effective Date: 2008
· Connecticut (HB 7249): This bill creates a mandatory recycling program for discarded covered electronic devices (CEDs). Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2009
· Maine (LD 1892): Enacted in 2004, this legislation requires municipalities to send disposed computer and television monitors to consolidation centers that are fully funded by manufacturers. Effective Date: Jan. 18, 2006
· Maryland (HB 575): This legislation establishes a county-by-county collection system, and manufacturers are responsible for funding programs or creating their own plans. Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2006; expires in 2010
· Massachusetts: Cathode ray tubes from TV and computer monitors were banned at all Massachusetts solid waste disposal facilities in 2000.
· Minnesota (HF 854): Under this law, manufacturers of covered devices must register with the state, pay a registration fee and set up an e-waste recycling program. Effective Date: August 2007
· Montana (HB 555): This bill, signed into law in April 2007, establishes a public education program for household hazardous waste recycling.
· New Hampshire (HB 1455): The law prohibits disposing video display devices (including CRTs) in solid waste landfills or incinerators. Effective Date: July 1, 2007
· New Jersey (A 3572): This newly authorized legislation requires CED manufacturers under the state's program to pay an annual registration fee and set up recycling programs. Effective Date: 2008
· North Carolina (S 1492): Signed into law in August 2007, this measure requires CED manufacturers to pay for the transportation and recycling costs for covered devices from collection sites. Effective Date: January 1, 2009
· Rhode Island (S 2509): The Electronic Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling Act passed in 2006, bans electronics (including CRTs) from landfills. Effective Date: July 1, 2008
· Texas (HB 2714): This measure was signed into law June 2007. Manufacturers of electronic devices are required to pay for collection, transportation and recycling of covered devices and can set up their own recycling take-back program. Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2008
· Washington (SB 6428): Passed in 2006, this legislation will require extended manufacturer responsibility for producing and financing an e-waste recycling program, including the collection, transportation and recycling of covered electronic products. Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2009.
-- George Beard