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Electronic Recycling Program Needed to Protect New Yorkers from Toxics

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, electronic waste (e-waste) is growing 2-3 times faster than any other segment of the waste stream. In 2005 more than two million tons of used electronics were discarded nationwide and less than 15 percent of them were recycled.

Improper disposal of computers, televisions, printers and other devices releases toxic chemicals including lead, mercury, chromium, and cadmium, threatening public health and the environment.

Albany needs to enact a law that would require that manufacturers of electronics be responsible for the collection, handling and recycling or reuse of discarded electronic equipment. This would require them to submit an e-waste management plan to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) by 2011, collect a minimum of 25 percent of annual equipment sales each year by 2016, and increase the collection rate to 45 percent by 2018.

In addition, any e-waste bill should require that the manufacturers be responsible for costs associated with the development and implementation the plans, prohibiting the imposition of collection fees on consumers.

Your message will be sent to each of the following targets:

Assemblymember Robert K. Sweeney
Senator Antoine M. Thompson
Your State Representative
Your State Senator

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This Action Alert Campaign is Closed.