Accessibility menu
State Representative Jeanne Poppe
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4193
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
E-WASTE BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
It seems these days that as soon as you buy a new computer or some other electronic device, a newer, improved model is introduced to replace it. While these continual upgrades are certainly exciting, they have the unfortunate side effect of creating a glut of old, unused household electronic waste. How best to handle these discarded devices was addressed this session by a bill passed by both the House and the Senate, and this week, signed into law by the Governor.
Our E-Waste bill requires electronics manufacturers to help pay for collection and recycling of electronic household waste, a cost that until now has fallen primarily on counties and property tax payers. This bill puts Minnesota on the leading edge of helping people recycle responsibly.
E-waste is the informal name for electronic products that are no longer useful. These products include computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines that can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.
Last year, a new law took effect, mandating that video display devices (VDD's) such as computer monitors and televisions could not be disposed of in landfills, however no provision was made for alternate disposal. As a result, counties across Minnesota have seen substantial increases in illegal dumping in ditches, wooded areas and other areas.
During the committee hearings, county officials testified about patched-together programs and increased costs – often accompanied by property taxes increases to pay for it. This bill provides counties with assistance to pay for that unfunded mandate by making sure that manufacturers share in the responsibility to manage electronic wastes. This bill also provides strong incentives for private recycling companies to enter into the electronics recycling field as they partner with counties, cities and manufacturers to set up electronics recycling systems which will recycle old electronics properly and in a way that is easier for consumers.
This bill has been considered in various forms for over five years, and was supported by a wide range of organizations, associations and companies including recyclers, electronics retailers, local governments, environmental organizations and industry.
This legislation represents a balanced solution that fits the needs of our state. Once again, Minnesota sets the standard for good environmental stewardship partnered with practical economic considerations, and that's a winning combination for our state.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this or any other issue - I can be reached by phone at 1-888-682-3180 or 1-651-296-4193, by mail at 487 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn. If you are interested in receiving my session e-newsletter, please email me and your name will be added to our list.
News Items
- POPPE SELECTED AS AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIR - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Jeanne Poppe Encourages High School Juniors to Apply for Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program - Application Deadline is November 19th - (Posted: 2012-11-12 00:00:00)
- HORMEL INSTITUTE EXPANSION SIGNED INTO LAW - 2012 legislative session adjourns sine die - (Posted: 2012-05-11 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.