Connecticut Governor Unveils Regulations for Electronic Scrap

Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell announced that the state’s Department of Environmental Protection has formally proposed regulations to establish a recycling system for electronic scrap.

"We are hitting the ‘delete’ button on high-tech trash," Governor Rell said. "This system is making Connecticut a national leader in minimizing the toll that old electronics can take on landfills and the environment. Apart from their bulky nature, these old devices often contain small but significant amounts of potentially dangerous pollutants such as mercury and lead. This system gives residents the peace of mind of knowing their old electronics are being safely broken down, with recyclable materials being reused and dangerous materials kept out of the environment.

In making the announcement, Rell noted that with the introduction of the regulations, Connecticut will be one of the first states with a comprehensive, convenient and free system of recycling electronic scrap.

"This system includes an important element of producer responsibility, because manufacturers of electronic equipment sold in our state will pay the cost of transporting and recycling unwanted electronic equipment," Rell added.

The recycling system being introduced will allow residents to bring unwanted electronic equipment to collection points in their town or region – free of charge. The equipment will then be collected and recycled by approved companies.

The proposed regulations are only applicable to consumer- or household-generated electronic scrap. Material generated by business, commercial or governmental entities is subject to regulation under federal and state hazardous waste management regulations.

The DEP has published its proposed regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal as of September 22, 2009, and posted them on the DEP Web site at www.ct.gov/dep/publicnotices (select "Proposed Actions or Decisions").

Publication of the draft regulations opens a public comment period which runs through October 30, 2009. Comments should be submitted in writing to: Tom Metzner, Environmental Analyst, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 06106.