Illinois EPA sets new requirements for electronics manufacturers

Manufacturers of electronics are subject to new recycling program requirements and a landfill ban on their products in Illinois.

By David Greenfield February 11, 2010

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency DirectorDoug Scott has notified computer, television and printer manufacturingcompanies doing business in Illinoisof advancements in requirements as they implement recycling programs for excesselectronic waste (e-waste).

The law requires electronic manufacturers andretailers to properly manage discarded and unwanted electronic products, shouldthey wish to sell their products in the state. They must establish a system forrecycling and/or reusing computers, monitors, televisions and printersdiscarded from residences.

According to the Illinois EPA, this law, and allphases therein are intended to increase the recycling rate as contentsincluding lead, mercury, cadmium and other materials pose health andenvironmental risks for Illinoisresidents. Beginning January 1, 2012, computers, monitors, televisions andprinters will be banned from landfill disposal.

Each year, the Illinois EPA sets a statewide goalfor the amount of e-waste that must be recycled and then allocates that goalamong electronics manufacturers based on various formulas included in the Act.The statewide recycling goal for 2010 is 31 million pounds of e-waste.Manufacturers are required to pay for e-waste recycling and/or refurbishment upto the amount of their annual goal.

The law does not specify methods for manufacturersto meet these obligations. The Illinois EPA has compiled a list of e-wastecollectors that Illinoisresidents can contact regarding recycling either at no charge or in exchangefor a dollar-for-dollar coupon which can be used to reduce the cost of newequipment. This page can be accessed through the Bureau of Land’s ElectronicWaste Recycling Tab at www.epa.state.il.us .

Access other Control Engineering contentrelated to product recycling:

  • CarbonMotors begins work on recyclable vehicle
  • EPAtargets power and manufacturing industries with financial assurance requirements
  • SiemensEnergy and Materials Processing Corp. form recycling partnership

 
– Edited by David Greenfield , editorial director
Control Engineering Sustainable Engineering News Desk