Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act
Basil Seggos, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), proudly reported that the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act achieved notable success in its five-year span from 2011 to 2016. An incredible 520 million pounds, or 260,000 tons, of electronic waste was collected and recycled, due to the Act’s implementation.
DEC’s latest report was released, and it draws attention to this significant announcement. Moreover, the report offers an analysis of both advantages and obstacles present in New York State’s e-scrap recycling program.
Commissioner Seggos stated, “Over the first six years of the program, New York state has successfully diverted hundreds of millions of pounds of e-waste destined for landfills and combustion facilities to e-waste recyclers for reuse and recycling, helping conserve valuable natural resources. The e-waste report will help DEC improve New York’s strong e-waste recycling program, and the documented progress of this comprehensive product stewardship program is yet another example of Gov. Cuomo’s commitment to protecting our environment.”
For the 2013-2015 findings, data from previous reports were evaluated and used. This update examined a variety of aspects, such as total items collected, means of collection, recovery rate for reuse and recycling activities, involvement from stakeholders, fees and taxes, plus DEC’s compliance and enforcement regulations. Additionally, it was discovered that many businesses have prospered from electronic scrap being recycled or reused.
New York State Success
The state of New York, in conjunction with electronic equipment manufacturers and consumers, was successful in deterring a significant amount of e-scrap away from the waste stream during the 2013 – 2015 period. The report found that this amounted to nearly 300 million pounds, which broke down to an approximate collection rate of 5 pounds per resident on average.
In a bid to address issues related to e-scrap collection and recycling, particularly CRT TVs and monitors, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has been collaborating with municipalities, industry representatives, recyclers, and other stakeholders.
With an emphasis on compliance from all participants, the NYSDEC is also making headway in improving manufacturers’ e-scrap acceptance programs through public education and outreach. Likewise, enforcement initiatives are being implemented to ensure conformance with legislative requirements.
Grants Being Allocated
The DEC has allocated $3 million from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund in order for municipalities across the state to have the resources needed to recycle electronics. Nearly $1.2 million has already been granted out in rounds one and two, with a third and final round currently open until Jan. 31, 2018. This grant is intended for any expenses accrued between April 1 and Dec. 31, 2017. The DEC has all the necessary information on its website regarding grants and how municipalities can access them.
Early 2018 will see the launch of draft regulations intended to make the provisions of the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act clearer and more powerful. The relevant information regarding these proposed e-waste regulations is also accessible on the website provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), as well as in its Environmental Notice Bulletin.
Chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, Sen. Tom O’Mara, adds, “Actions to better address the challenge of electronic waste are among the most important actions we’ve ever taken in New York government for the benefit of local economies, environments and taxpayers.”
O’Mara further states that, “E-waste recycling has become extremely burdensome and costly for local governments and property taxpayers. Through the Environmental Protection Fund’s emphasis on e-waste and by implementing new policies, programs and regulatory reforms over the past several years, New York state has taken some very effective steps. I look forward to continue working with and urging Gov. Cuomo and his administration on short- and long-term strategies, which make important fiscal, economic and environmental sense locally, regionally and statewide.”
