2007-05-22_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

. Bemidji Pioneer' The new law, says Sailer, "makes sure that manufacturers share in the responsibility of making sure they are recycled properly, and in a way that is easier for consumers." "E-waste" is the informal name for electronic products that are no longer useful. The products include computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, printers and keyboards, CPUs, copiers and fax machines that can be reused, refurbished or recycled. The legislation requires consumer electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle an amount of devices proportional to the weight of new devices sold during the previous year. The requirements on manufacturers call for collection of an amount of devices in the first year of the program equal to 60 percent of the weight of products sold during the previous year, and 80 percent in the years thereafter. The new law requires manufacturers to pay a $5,000 base fee during the first program year, reduced to $2,500 annually thereafter, plus a variable amount ranging between 30 cents and 50 cents for each pound short of their target. Manufacturers who recycle less than 50 percent of their target pay 50 cents for each pound under the target; those reaching 90 percent of their recycling target pay 30 cents per pound. Manufacturers who surpass their target earn credits that can be used in future years or sold to other manufacturers. It's hoped that eventually counties will stop charging consumers to dispose of e-waste, Sailer said, although admittedly manufacturers can roll those costs into their retail price. To balance the lower population densities and greater travel distances in rural Minnesota, recycled electronic devices collected in those counties are counted at 1.5 times their actual weight. That's designed as an incentive to bring e-waste collection and recycling programs to rural Minnesota, Sailer said. "We heard from county officials about patched-together programs and increased costs - often accompanied by property taxes increases to pay for it," Sailer said late Tuesday. "This bill provides counties with assistance to pay for that unfunded mandate by making sure that manufacturers share in the responsibility to manage electronic wastes. "This bill also provides strong incentives for private recycling companies to enter into the electronics recycling field as they partner with counties, cities and manufacturers to set up electronics recycling systems which will recycle old electronics properly and in a way that is easier for consumers," Sailer added. Five years in the making, the bill received strong bipartisan backing and was supported by a wide range of organizations, associations and companies including recyclers, electronics retailers, local governments, environmental organizations and industry, she said. Page 2 of3 We Recvcle Your Waste We'll sort, load and recycle your waste. Book online, save $10! 1800GotJunk.com ~~.!~~ http://www.bernidjipioneer.com/articles/index.cfm ?id=87 64&section=News&CFID=33 63 9519&CFTO... 05/17/2007