In this article we will tell you about E-waste laws. Here are the complete details about E-waste laws.
To stop the pollution via e-waste, the very first step must come from the government. The government from various states in US has implemented laws, and anybody who violates these is punished. Not only the manufacturers but consumers are also equally bound to these laws by the state government.
California was the first state that saw the emergence of environmental laws. The step was taken by California Integrated Waste Management Board who began collecting and recycling of e-wastes. The year 2003 saw the passing of the Electronic Waste Recovery Act Vide which imposed collection fees at the time of lease. Manufacturers have to develop a system of e-waste recovery system for collection of e-waste, handling and transportation of them to various recycling units and then processing refurbishing them for all the devices they sold. The act became a law in 2005 and the funds that were collected served as a relief for the e-waste collectors.
The Oklahoma Computer recovery act was made a rule in May 13, 2008. It was a recovery program made to save the environment from the threat of e-waste in which the e-wastes are collected, recycled and refurbished for further use. In Oklahoma computer manufacturers have to provide proof of a recycling program or computer recovery to the Department of Environmental Quality. This includes various collection events, mail-back system or the contracts made by the electronic recycling shops across the state. If the manufacturer does not work according to the regulation act, he is not allowed to participate in state contract bids. However, the e-waste recycling legislation is applicable to the computer monitor, desktop, notebook computer but television is not included
In the year 2009, the Indiana House Enrolled Act was created a rule that started electronic waste recycling process for products such as outdated television and computers. The program is taken care of by the Indiana department of Environmental Management and is funded by the manufacturers without any taxes levied on the consumers. In the year 2011, another step was taken towards its regulatory efforts when the Computer Manufacturers had to get registered with the state or else they will not be able to sell their product. The law even states that, by 2013, the manufacturers have to recycle 60% the amount of electronic items they have sold.
The New York Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act became a law in the year 2010 Vide which the manufacturers of all electronic items must maintain an effective system of collection, handling, refurbishing and recycling of the products they sell. Manufacturers must also have acceptance programs maintenance and implementation under scrutiny of the state’s department for Environmental Conservation. The law also specifies the amount of e-waste that the manufacturers have to recycle at the end of each year. Since 2011, the manufacturers cannot dump e-waste in landfills and very soon it will take into consideration other retailers, and businesses. Consumers too are prohibited from disposing off their electronic waste in landfills.
In the year 2007, the North Carolina 1492 law was enacted that prohibited electronic items like monitors, computers, laptops and other electronic devices from being disposed at landfills. The next year an amendment was added to the law and the list also included televisions and in 2009, this became a law. In the year 2010, the bill was altered a little and the responsibility of collection and recycling of e-waste was added to the manufacturers of this electronic product. They have a choice to start their own recycling attempt or fund the recycling efforts taken by the state government.
Reference:
- How to Make Best Out Of E Waste
- E-Waste Recycling in Bay Area
- E-Waste Drop-Off Locations in Oklahoma City
