| New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed into a law today a bill passed by the New York City Council that would require manufacturers of electronic equipment like televisions and computers to accept their products for recycling.
From the New York Times:
Under the legislation that passed, electronics manufacturers will devise and run programs that could include curbside pickups, neighborhood collections and returns by mail and in stores. Consumers would be required to participate, and by 2010 would face a $100 fine for throwing old computers, televisions and other gadgets into the trash. Manufacturers who fail to recycle returned merchandise could be fined $1,000 for each violation. The programs would require Department of Sanitation approval.
Still uncertain are the collection standards, which would require manufacturers to take back a stated tonnage of equipment or face fines, an element that has angered suppliers, who say it would be hard to track sales in the city.
Twelve states have already adopted electronic waste laws. New York City is the first municipality to do so, the mayor said.
Apparently Bloomberg will veto the aforementioned collection standards.
This is a very good law for numerous reasons. Many people cannot dispose of their old computers and televisions so they usually end up in the garbage. Recycling these products would be very good for the environment and prove to be very useful. |
