California Takes on PC Waste
On September 25, Governor Gray Davis of California signed into law one of the most comprehensive computer recycling plans in the country, the first of its kind in the nation. The new law mandates collection and recycling of obsolete electronics, namely old computers. These old electronic devices are known to contain lead and other hazardous materials that typically end up in landfills across the country, posing a risk to drinking water and human health. On paper, this bill appears to be a victory for environmentalists in California and should serve as an example for the rest of the country. However, environmentalists are quick to point out that this program is far from ideal, citing the fact that under the new program, companies are not held financially responsible for the take-back and recycling of the products. Environmentalists want producer responsibility.
A producer take-back provision "is the model we believe will result in improving the design of computers," said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Texas Campaign for the Environment. "The actual costs of recycling will be part of the price and the bottom line. We want the companies to compete on that basis." Schneider said that currently there is no incentive for companies to design less-toxic products because disposing of the products is not their problem.
To read the entire story from Wired News:
http://www.wired.com/news/
politics/0,1283,60539,00.html
If you would like to learn more about producer responsibility in Washington State, contact ESW member, Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation at info@wastenotwashington.org or by calling 206-441-1790. They will be happy to send you a copy of A Citizen's Guide to Producer Responsibility.
