New Washington rules outline how electronics recycling program will work

OLYMPIA -Washington Department of Ecology Director Jay Manning has
adopted new rules for electronic product recycling in Washington State.
The new rules establish how this groundbreaking manufacturer-funded
electronics recycling program will work and how it will be enforced.

Manufacturers of televisions and computers must write plans describing
how these companies will provide collection services throughout the
state. The manufacturers have until Feb. 1, 2008 to submit plans to
Ecology for approval. The plans must be fully implemented by Jan. 1,
2009.

The new rules include requirements for how the program must be operated.
The new recycling services are to be provided at no charge to
households, small businesses, small governments, school districts and
charitable organizations. These customers will be informed at the
collection site, where and how their unwanted electronic products will
be recycled.

Electronic products contain rare and valuable metals that are in short
supply. “By recycling these products, we reduce the impacts of mining
in developing countries where safe, environmentally sound standards are
not always practiced,” said Jay Shepard, Ecology’s electronics recycling
project manager.

Electronic products also contain heavy metals and other chemicals at
hazardous levels that make them difficult to dispose of safely. For
example, every cathode ray picture tube contains an estimated four to
eight pounds of lead. By recycling televisions and computers,
Washington’s residents contribute to a safer, cleaner environment,
locally and globally.

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Media Contacts: Kathy Davis, media relations, 360-407-6149
Jay Shepard, Solid Waste Program, 360-407-7040