Illinois e-waste recycling and refurbishment phase-in continues in 2010

[February 02, 2010]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott has notified computer, television and printer manufacturing companies doing business in Illinois of advancements in requirements as they implement recycling programs for excess electronic waste, or e-waste.

The law requires electronics manufacturers and retailers to properly manage discarded and unwanted electronic products, should they wish to sell their products in the state. They must establish a system for recycling or reusing computers, monitors, televisions and printers discarded from residences.

Electronic products are among the fastest growing portion of the solid waste stream in Illinois.

This law and all phases of it are intended to increase the recycling rate, as contents including lead, mercury, cadmium and other materials pose health and environmental risks for Illinois residents.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, computers, monitors, televisions and printers will be banned from landfill disposal.

"This program is not only beneficial to the residents of Illinois, but it offers a firm solution to resolving a number of waste management problems caused by electronic waste in Illinois," Scott said. "This act demonstrates our commitment to improve waste management throughout the state."

Each year, the Illinois EPA sets a statewide goal for the amount of e-waste that must be recycled and then allocates that goal among electronics manufacturers, based on various formulas included in the act. The statewide recycling goal for 2010 is 31 million pounds of e-waste. Manufacturers are required to pay for e-waste recycling or refurbishment up to the amount of their annual goal.

The law does not specify methods for manufacturers to meet these obligations, believing that the free-market approach will determine over time the most cost-effective means of annual goal achievement.

The Illinois EPA has compiled a list of e-waste collectors that Illinois residents can contact regarding recycling, either at no charge or in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar coupon that can be used to reduce the cost of new equipment. This page can be accessed through the Illinois EPA Web site and navigating through the Bureau of Land's "Electronic Waste Recycling" tab.

[Text Illinois Environmental Protection Agency from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]