Electronics Recycling
A great win
In 2006, WEC teamed up with Washington Citizens for Resource
Conservation, Hewlett Packard, retailers, non-profits and others to
promote a shared responsibility model for electronics recycling where
manufacturers will establish and pay for the collection, transportation
and processing system throughout the state. This system will provide a
convenient, safe and more environmentally sound recycling option for
unwanted computers and televisions. 
(Check out a YouTube video on the award-winning coalition the passed the most comprehensive e-waste legislation). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy4RARfH1Wo
Why it is needed
Advances in technology have changed the way we work and live, but those advances have also left us with a growing environmental problem: millions of unwanted computers, monitors and TVs. These electronics are piling up in homes in Washington State, and for years there have been relatively few options available for their safe recycling. As a result of the 2006 law, that will all change in January 2009.
Until then, click here for information on what you can do to recycle your TV and computer.
Washington was the first state in the nation to enact a comprehensive “producer responsibility” approach to computer and televisions recycling. This means that in Washington, the companies that create the electronics will pay for and run a program to recycle them. The beauty of this approach is that it links electronics recycling with electronics manufacturing, allowing companies to save money if they reduce their use of toxic materials.
Benefits of shared responsibility for e-waste recycling
- Phasing out Toxics. Because electronics manufacturers will pay for the program, they will have a financial incentive to reduce and eliminate their use of toxic chemicals, which are expensive to handle.
- Creating Jobs. The 400 existing recyclers in the US employ over 7000 workers. A statewide e-waste recycling program in Washington will create business opportunities for collecting and dismantling electronics, and will create jobs.
- Conserving Resources. Millions of pounds of materials can be recovered from electronics, including steel, glass and plastic, as well as precious metals. By recycling, we reduce our need to use up scarce natural resources, conserve energy, and reduce greenhouse gases.
Click here for a full list of coalition partners on this effort.
Helpful links for more information on recycling of electronics:
