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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 6, 2018 09:23 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Marty Flynn |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Recycling of Electronics (Covered Devices) |
| Since many electronic items (televisions, computer monitors, laptop and desktop computers, etc.) are manufactured with components that contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, the Covered Device Recycling Act of 2010 was enacted to require manufacturers of electronics to recycle more of these items. Under the Covered Device Recycling Act, registered manufacturers of newly covered devices are required to recycle a specific amount of old covered devices based on weight and a manufacturer’s market share of production. However, recently, a problem has developed with the current weight-based method used for the recycling of covered devices. Specifically, new covered devices, particularly televisions and computer monitors, weigh much less than older models. Therefore, a greater number of covered devices are entering the consumer market than are being recycled on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, community-based electronic recycling programs have become increasingly cost- prohibitive. In many cases, municipalities and communities have stopped accepting covered devices or now charge a fee based on the total weight of an item. These actions have led to an increase in illegal dumping of covered devices. As these devices degrade and are exposed to inclement weather conditions, toxic substances may leak out, contaminating soil, surface water, and ground water. In an effort to address this problem, I will be introducing legislation to amend the Covered Device Recycling Act to require manufacturers to recycle a quantity of covered devices on a graduated scale, ensuring that more electronic items are recycled. I hope you will join me in sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB575