Industry Reaches Agreement on National Electronics Recycling Program

Representatives from the U.S. electronics industry endorsed a resolution with state governments and environmental groups to develop sustainable, fair and flexible recycling efforts nationwide.

As part of that resolution, manufacturers will work together to develop a framework for financing the nationwide recycling program that an EPA-initiated stakeholders group known as the National Electronics Product Stewardship Initiative will then recommend to Congress.

The electronics industry will create a proposal for legislation that will finance recycling programs through a fee at point of sale or allow companies to create alternative plans to manage costs without a fee on their products. Manufacturers will also be given flexibility in fulfilling their recycling responsibilities either collectively or individually, through the development of "Alternative Stewardship Plans." The Alternative Stewardship Plans will demonstrate how manufacturers intend to meet or surpass collection and recycling goals set by EPA or another neutral party.

"With this agreement, our members are working together and moving the industry forward by presenting a unified solution to help consumers and government agencies recycle more electronic equipment," said Heather Bowman, director of Environmental Affairs for the Electronics Industries Alliance.

"EIA is optimistic that, in time, industry manufacturers will be able to reach consensus on the issue of financing," Bowman added. "If we can make this overall framework a part of any legislation introduced in Congress, we're confident we can make electronics recycling efforts more effective and sustainable."