Electronics Recycling Media Kit

Introduction

In March 2009, state Sen. Mark Miller introduced SB 107, an electronics recycling bill. Governor Doyle signed the bill into law on October 23, 2009. The law establishes a collection and recycling system in Wisconsin for certain consumer electronic devices discarded by households and K-12 public schools, and bans landfilling or incineration of these devices in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's electronics recycling law is based on a product stewardship approach, which assigns primary responsibility for collection and recycling of products to the manufacturer. In Wisconsin, manufacturers of covered electronic devices (CEDs) -- including computers, televisions, printers and certain video display devices -- will be responsible for financing and ensuring the recycling of these and other electronic devices within the state. How much a given manufacturer must recycle will be based on the weight of CEDs that manufacturer sells to Wisconsin households and K-12 public schools.

The law establishes guidelines for manufacturers, recyclers and collectors to ensure that recycling occurs in an environmentally sound manner. Once fully implemented, the law is expected to provide Wisconsinites with more convenient recycling locations across the state, reduce pollution from improper disposal of electronics and encourage an expansion of the recycling industry within Wisconsin.

The DNR is holding a series of public meetings to provide more information on the bill's requirements and how it will affect groups regulated under the law. Get more information and register today.

For more information on how specific groups will be affected, see Sen. Miller's fact sheets for the groups listed below:

• Businesses (exit DNR)
• Charitable Organizations (exit DNR)
• Collectors (exit DNR)
• Consumers (exit DNR)
• Local Governments (exit DNR)
• Manufacturers (exit DNR)
• Recyclers (exit DNR)
• Retailers (exit DNR)

The Law

Wisconsin's electronics recycling law establishes a collection and recycling system in Wisconsin for certain consumer electronic devices discarded by households and K-12 public schools, and bans landfilling or incineration of these devices in Wisconsin.

Under the law, manufacturers may not sell covered electronic devices (CEDs) to Wisconsin households or K-12 public schools unless that manufacturer does the following:

• Registers annually with the DNR and reports its recycling target for the program year
• Arranges for the collection and recycling of eligible electronic devices
• Submits required reports
• Pays program fees

Retailers may only sell CEDs from registered manufacturers and must provide electronics recycling information to consumers. Retailers are not required to register with the DNR or pay any additional fees.

Recyclers and collectors must register with the DNR, meet program requirements and report on eligible electronics collected and recycled under the program. They are not required to pay a registration fee.

Consumers will be able to recycle their electronics more conveniently at retailers and recycling locations throughout the state. Because the law provides extra incentives for rural recycling, traditionally underserved areas in particular should enjoy additional recycling coverage. No separate up-front fee will be added to the cost of consumer electronic devices, although fees may be charged for recycling to off-set collection costs.

Local governments are required to provide citizens information on collection availability in their area. Governments do not need to pay any additional fees, but may choose to register as collectors.

The DNR will administer the electronics recycling program, ensure compliance and report on program progress.

For a summary of the Electronics Recycling law, see the fact sheet: Wisconsin's Proposed Electronics Recycling Bill [PDF 55Kb]

Why Recycle?

Why the Law?

• Until now, there has been no comprehensive system in Wisconsin for recycling electronics from households and K-12 public schools. As a result, local governments and taxpayers were often left paying the bill for recycling that did happen, as well as the costs for cleaning up improperly managed electronics. This law will require manufacturers to take financial responsibility for the collection and recycling of covered electronic devices.
• Wisconsin's law ensures legitimate recycling collection and recycling practices by establishing recycler certification requirements.
• By ensuring that electronic devices are recycled in a safe, responsible manner, the law will greatly reduce the risk of contamination from improperly disposed electronics, reduce demand on landfills and decrease the need for virgin materials.
• Consumers will be able to recycle their electronics more easily at convenient locations throughout the state. Because the law provides extra incentives for rural recycling, traditionally underserved areas in particular should enjoy more convenient recycling.
• Local governments will spend less on collection and recycling of retired electronics.
• As more electronics are diverted to recycling facilities rather than landfills, recyclers across the state will receive more business. New jobs are expected to be created, and tax revenue will increase.
• Nineteen other states and New York City have passed legislation to manage discarded electronics. Wisconsin will be joining an established system of e-cycling management.
• Wisconsin's law is similar to electronics recycling laws passed in Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana. Because the laws are similar, manufacturers, collectors and recyclers in these states will be able to follow similar procedures to create economies of scale.

Facts

• According to a 2006 DNR survey, 80 percent of Wisconsin households have at least one computer, 99 percent have at least one TV, and 85 percent have at least two TVs. Using these survey results, DNR estimated that there are nearly 3.8 million computers and 7.5 million TVs in state households.
• In 2005, used or unwanted electronics amounted to approximately 1.9 to 2.2 million tons nationwide. Of that amount, only about 345,000-379,000 tons (17-18 percent) were recycled. (Source: EPA)
• In 2007, Americans threw away about 2.5 million tons of electronics, including TVs, computers, printers, scanners, faxes, keyboards and cell phones. (Source: EPA)
• Most electronics contain some level of potentially harmful substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, heavy metals and chemical flame retardants. If landfilled or incinerated, these chemicals can enter groundwater, surface water or the air, where they pose a risk to human and environmental health.

Timeline
Wisconsin's electronics recycling bill will take effect in phases. Below is a timeline of major deadlines.

Jan. 1, 2010: Program year one begins. Deadline for recyclers and collectors to register for year one.

Feb. 1: Deadline for manufacturers to register and pay fee for program year one.

June 30: Program year one ends.

July 1: Program year two begins. Retailers can no longer sell CEDs unless manufacturers are registered.

Aug. 1: Deadline for recyclers and collectors to register for program year two and report year one totals.

Sept. 1: Deadline for manufacturers to register and pay fee for program year two. Deadline for year one report. Electronics banned from disposal in Wisconsin landfills or incinerators.

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