State collects and recycles tons of electronic waste

The New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act has driven the collection and recycling of more than 520 million pounds — or 260,000 tons — of electronic waste (e-waste) from 2011 to 2016.
The announcement was highlighted in the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) second Electronic Waste Recycling Report, which documents e-waste recycling from 2013 to 2015.
"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," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "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 Governor Cuomo's commitment to protecting our environment."
New York has made $3 million from the State's Environmental Protection Fund available to municipalities to address the unintended costs associated with the collection and recycling of eligible e-waste. DEC is distributing nearly $1.2 million in grant funding to municipalities from the first two rounds of grant applications. Applications for the third and final round of available grant money are due to DEC by Jan. 31, 2018, for expenses incurred between April 1 and Dec. 31, 2017. Information regarding grants for municipal e-waste assistance can be found on the DEC website.
E-waste recycling has become extremely burdensome and costly for local governments and property taxpayers. Senator Tom O'Mara, chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, said, "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."
With the holiday season underway, DEC reminds consumers that it is illegal to dispose of old, unwanted televisions and other electronic equipment in the trash. Electronics that must be recycled include computers, printers, monitors, televisions and tablets.
Manufacturers are required to provide consumers with free and convenient e-waste recycling opportunities. These opportunities include mail back, local collection events, permanent collection drop-off locations and free at-home pickup, depending on the manufacturer's program.
For information on Recycling Consumer Electronic Waste, visit the DEC website: dec.ny.gov.