Law now requires recycling of e-waste

By: centraljersey.com
TRENTON – Old TVs, computers and computer monitors – items known collectively as electronic waste, or e-waste – must be recycled as of Jan. 1, as required by the Electronic Waste Management Act.
"We expect a smooth transition thanks to the work of municipalities, counties and manufacturers who have been cooperating closely with the DEP to coordinate their efforts," said Bob Martin, state Department of Environmental Protection commissioner. "Everyone has been working hard to make sure residents will have ample opportunities for recycling their electronic waste."
The Electronic Waste Management Act bans the disposal of televisions and all personal or portable computers – including desktop, notebook and laptop computers, as well as computer monitors – in the regular waste stream beginning Jan. 1, 2011. Manufacturers of these devices will now be funding the collection of e-waste so that it is free for consumers.
The new law means residents can no longer put TVs, computers and monitors out on the curb for pickup under regular solid waste collection programs. Many residents will have to take these items to a drop-off point, such as a county or municipal solid waste collection center or a participating electronics retail store. Some municipalities already conduct special curbside pickup programs for recycling of e-waste and are expected to continue doing this.
All 21 counties and many municipalities already have e-waste recycling programs in place. These include special collection events and drop-off points. Best Buy stores and community-based service programs, most notably Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army, also accept these materials. In many cases, manufacturers will simply pick up the cost of operating these existing programs.
Residents should contact their county solid waste agency or municipal recycling coordinator for e-waste recycling options currently available in their communities. These options will continue to grow in the coming year. The DEP also is compiling a resource list to assist residents in finding collection points. A working draft of the list is available at www.recyclenj.org.
Electronic waste makes up about 2 percent of the solid waste disposed in New Jersey. Because of the high consumer demand for new technologies, electronic waste also is growing two to three times faster than any other component of the solid waste stream, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. TVs, computers and computer monitors contain lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxins. Cathode Ray Tubes, or CRTs, in particular contain large amounts of lead that is used to shield consumers from radiation.
The DEP estimates that the program will prevent 50 million pounds of electronic waste from being sent to solid waste facilities during its first year.