‘E-Waste’ Recycling Law Being Implemented

State environmental officials are advising Pennsylvanians that, starting Jan. 1, 2013, it will be illegal to dispose of computers, televisions and computer-related devices with other solid waste. Purpose of the Covered Devices Recycling Act is to end the environmentally harmful disposal of hazardous chemicals found in those devices. The new law requires television and computer manufacturers to come up with new opportunities for consumers to recycle electronics (”e-waste”).

Retailers must sell only devices that are registered with the state and must display in stores how consumers can recycle devices. Manufacturers must register covered devices to be sold in Pennsylvania, set up plans to collect and recycle devices, and report total weight of devices sold and recycled each year. The Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection will assess manufacturers’ plans, post a list of approved manufacturers and retailers on its website, and disseminate a list of collection sites for consumers.