NJ Considering Surcharge for Computers, TVs

A New Jersey State Senate Committee has passed out of the Environment Committee a bill that aims to apply a surcharge to consumers purchasing televisions, computer monitors or CPUs.

House Bill 554 was passed out of the committee Jan. 30^th. Senator Bob Smith, sponsor of House Bill 554, is hoping the bill can be fast tracked into law. From the Environment Committee the bill is going to the Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The bill, in its existing form, would put a $10 surcharge for consumers purchasing televisions, or computer equipment. While the bill targets particular items, the committee also is looking to boost the recovery and recycling of other types of e-scrap materials.

The surcharge could change to a multi-tiered pricing structure through possible amendments, which would be sent to the Budget Committee.

The New Jersey Assembly is working on a similar bill that addresses the implementation of surcharges for electronic equipment.

Money collected through the program would go toward developing an infrastructure to recycle the equipment.

According to local press reports, the bill would also require electronics producers to recycle at least 85 percent of so-called "e-waste" within two years.