E-Waste Legislation Update

From coast to coast, even off the mainland, electronics recycling legislation has received positive attention from many state legislatures over the last week or so.

The Colorado General Assembly’s passing of House Bill 1282 requires the state to create a task force to study the costs the benefits of implementing both a statewide e-scrap recycling program and a landfill disposal ban on devices covered under the plan. The bill now awaits action from Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.

In Hawaii, HB 1809 amends the Aloha State’s present producer-responsibility program to recognize all direct view and projection televisions with a viewable screen of nine inches or larger. Under the program, manufacturers must register with the state, paying $2,500 annually, and have their recovery program implemented and fully operational no later than January 1, 2011. Passed by the Hawaii State Legislature, the bill will now be sent to Governor Linda Lingle for possible approval.

Senate File 1486 awaits a decision from Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. The measure updates the North Star State’s current program by amending reporting requirements for manufacturers and retailers of video display devices, and limiting the amount of recycled electronics, which can be applied to future recycling obligations, to no more than 25 percent for any program year.

The New Hampshire General Court has passed HB 338, which looks to establish a landfill and incinerator disposal ban for video display media recorders, players and computers. The bill will now be transferred to Governor John Lynch.

By a 41-to-zero vote, the Nevada Assembly has passed an amended version of AB 426. Initially introduced as a producer-responsibility measure, the bill has since been amended to require the state to conduct a study concerning programs for reusing and recycling computers and other electronics. The bill now resides with the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

The Texas House has passed HB 284 by a 102-to-40 vote. The measure requires Texas companies exporting waste electronics or electronic parts for recycling, re-use or disposal purposes — to countries not affiliated with the European Union or the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development — to submit an annual electronic report detailing their shipments. The bill now resides with the Senate Natural Resources Committee.