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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | July 18, 2023 09:53 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Lisa A. Borowski |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Electronic Waste Recycling Program |
| Manufacturers in Pennsylvania are required to provide recycling opportunities for certain covered devices, such as computers and televisions; however, this system has failed to keep pace with demand. The rapid rate of technological advancement in today’s society is rendering new electronic devices obsolete nearly overnight. Simultaneously, current statute, the Covered Device Recycling Act, calls for a diminishing amount of e-waste to be recycled every two years. The existing program, which inhibits many Pennsylvanians from disposing of their electronics properly or safely, has resulted in the accumulation of unusable electronic devices within households across the state. Some individuals have resorted to the illegal disposal of such devices in landfills, streams and forests. In certain locations throughout the state, residents are paying exorbitant fees as high as $200 to recycle their electronics. That is why I will be introducing legislation to allow all counties within the state to participate in an e-waste recycling collection program. Through a collaborative, self-sustaining system comprised of the manufacturing, recycling and retail industries, as well as local governments and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this legislation would give residents access to convenient collection sites at no cost to themselves or their municipalities. Associated deposits would not be assessed on individuals for any e-waste discarded at a designated collection site or event. While counties would have the opportunity to participate in this program for the benefit of their residents, they would not be required to do so. Residents would be able to drop-off their electronic devices at a location of their choosing. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to provide much-needed solutions for Pennsylvanians seeking to dispose of their unwanted electronic waste in a safe and sustainable manner while simultaneously protecting our shared natural resources. |
Introduced as HB1607