For Immediate Release For more information:
March 12, 2004 Ivy Sager-Rosenthal, WashPIRG
(206) 568-2850 ext 102
Suellen Mele, WCRC
(206) 441-1790
Computer Recycling Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
Environmental Groups Urge Governor’s Support
Olympia, WA – Environmental groups are hailing the final passage of legislation that will begin to address the increasing problem of electronic waste in Washington and are urging Governor Locke to sign it into law. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2488 (ESHB 2488), which passed the House of Representatives 94-0, passed the Senate by a vote of 48-0. Sponsored by Representative Mike Cooper (D-Edmonds), ESHB 2488 would require the Department of Ecology to work with electronics manufacturers and retailers, local governments, environmental groups, and others to develop recommendations for financing and implementing a statewide solution for collecting, recycling, and reusing obsolete computers and TVs.
“With more and more obsolete electronic products piling up every day, the state urgently needs to find a solution. We are really pleased the Legislature recognized the urgency of the situation and passed the bill. Now all that awaits is the Governor’s signature,” said Ivy Sager-Rosenthal of the Washington Public Interest Research Group (WashPIRG).
ESHB 2488 would require Ecology, business, local governments, environmental organizations, and others to examine current electronic product recycling programs in the state, encourage pilot programs as needed, and research different approaches for financing a collection and recycling system. Ecology must submit its recommendations by December 2004 and December 2005.
“This bill is a win for both the environment and the economy,” said Suellen Mele of Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation. “Computer and TV recycling programs help create jobs and keep harmful toxic products out of the environment.”
Electronic equipment contains lead, mercury, brominated flame retardants and other hazardous substances that pose a threat to human health and the environment when improperly disposed. In 2002, an estimated 1.7 million monitors, computers and TVs from residents and small businesses became obsolete in Washington State. Responsibly recycling this equipment would cost an estimated $25 million.
Environmental groups and other proponents of ESHB 2488 want computer and TV manufacturers to finance the collection and recycling programs for the products they sell, creating a financial incentive for them to design products that are less toxic and easier to recycle.
“Why shouldn’t manufacturers share the responsibility of properly recycling and disposing of their products? If a product is hazardous to the environment and public health, we expect consumers to handle it properly. It is only fair that manufacturers help provide consumers with easy, no-cost recycling options,” said Sager-Rosenthal.
Environmental groups are also concerned about the export of hazardous electronic waste. “Much of the electronic waste collected in the United States for recycling goes to developing countries such as China, where much of it is handled in ways that pose a major threat to human health and the environment,” said Sarah Westervelt of the Basel Action Network, a local environmental group. ESHB 2488 requires assessing the quantities of electronic waste being exported from Washington, as well as looking at compliance with national laws in the destination countries. “This legislation is a positive step towards making this important issue more visible.”
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Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation is a nonprofit, citizen-based advocacy group working to keep Washington a leader in waste reduction and recycling.
WashPIRG is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest organization dedicated to environmental protection, consumer rights, and good government. For more information go to www.washpirg.org.