IL Governor Signs Executive Order for E-Scrap Recycling

Illinois’ Governor Rod Blagojevich has signed an Executive Order that directs the state government to recycle electronic equipment. The order will require all state agencies, boards, and commissions under the Governor’s control to recycle or dispose of obsolete electronic equipment in an environmentally responsible manner.

In signing the Executive Order, Gov. Blagojevich also called on the state’s General Assembly to adopt electronics recycling legislation.

Governor Blagojevich’s order today comes as a result of extensive research and recommendations from the Computer Equipment Disposal and Recycling Commission that was established as a result of legislation the Governor signed into law in August 2005. The Commission submitted a comprehensive report to Governor Blagojevich and members of the General Assembly in May 2006 that identified concerns related to the disposal and recycling of computer equipment, as well as legislative and regulatory solutions for consideration.

In Illinois government, the Department of Central Management Services receives surplus electronic and other equipment from state agencies. The electronics will now be transferred to an external vendor that will ensure proper refurbishment, resale or disposal. Equipment that can be refurbished will be redistributed into Illinois government, or made available to schools or local government entities.

Premier Computer Service, Inc., Moline, Ill., along with its business partner, Belmont Technology Remarketing, Elk Grove Village, Ill., was recently awarded the contract that will ensure proper end-of-life disposal of state equipment.

If the General Assembly passes legislation next spring, Illinois could become the fifth state in the nation to enact similar environmentally responsible guidelines statewide.