Washington Introduces Electronics Recycling Bill

Legislation has been introduced in Washington State to begin to resolve a growing electronic waste crisis.  House Bill 1942, introduced into the state of Washington’s House Feb. 17, would hold manufacturers financially responsible for the collection, recycling and disposal of electronic wastes. Under the proposed legislation it would also forbid landfilling while discouraging the export of hazardous electronic components.

"This bill is a winner," said Rep. Mike Cooper (D-Edmonds), sponsor of the legislation. "It will defuse a growing toxic waste problem by finally giving consumers a convenient way to recycle their computers and TVs.  At the same time, it creates market-based incentives to ensure that our electronics industry becomes steadily greener and cleaner -- and it would do all of this without increasing taxes one penny."

Under the bill, manufacturers would be required to arrange for convenient collection sites to serve urban and rural populations throughout the state.