Electronic recycling is a smash hit

LAWMAKERS at the front end of a grueling legislative session need to be reminded of the possibilities to be found in cooperation and collaboration. Exhibit A is E-Cycle Washington.

The electronics recycling program, inspired by the environmental community and created in 2006 by the Legislature, is powered by manufacturers, processors, nonprofit organizations, and overseen by the state Department of Ecology.

Washington's e-waste law provides free recycling of televisions, computers, computer monitors and laptop computers. Not included are keyboards, computer mice and printers.

Public response has been extraordinary, with a two-year collection total of 78 million pounds of electronic debris. Washington was the fourth state in the nation with a program, and the first in the Northwest.

The law gave manufacturers little wiggle room, and they stepped up to make it work. Now more states recycle electronics than don't, and some manufacturers have started their own programs in states without a law.

Consumers drop off unwanted goods at collection sites, such as Goodwill Industries, an early volunteer. The electronic exiles from garages, closets and basements go to six processing centers in the state, where they are crunched up into metals, plastics and glass and resold. Even the wood from old TV consoles is salvaged for fuel.

One state-qualified processor, Total Reclaim, of Seattle, estimates a scant 5 percent of the received material ends up in landfills.

Manufacturers pay recyclers to take TVs — now about 61 percent of the bulk — but pay nothing for recycling computers because they have a higher salvage value.

Eventually, the program ought to be assessed to determine if computer accessories now excluded should be on the list.

The e-lesson for environmental groups was the power of a purposeful coalition and a short list of goals. The Legislature must see the public's desire for accessible ways to make good green choices.