ARLINGTON, VA -- 06/13/07 --
A patchwork of electronics recycling laws is
emerging from state capitals across the country, presenting manufacturers
with a major challenge and Congress with a golden opportunity, the
Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) said today.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell are soon expected
to sign new electronics recycling laws for their respective states.
Manufacturers will then face eight unique sets of requirements -- twice as
many as there were a year ago. A number of other states and New York City
are considering laws of their own.
"This is an issue crying out for a national solution," said EIA interim
President and CEO Matt Flanigan. "These laws vary dramatically from state
to state, picking winners and losers among electronics manufacturers and
retailers. If fifty legislatures rewrite business models state by state,
consumers could see higher costs and fewer choices -- all without any
commensurate environmental benefit.
"Congress can do right by the environment, consumers and the electronics
industry by adopting a national recycling plan," Flanigan added. "We'll
continue to work with Senator Ron Wyden, Representatives Mike Thompson,
Mary Bono, Louise Slaughter, Zach Wamp, Albert Wynn and others to do
everything possible to make that happen."
Recently EIA released a consensus framework that paves the way for federal
legislation to establish a national recycling program for household TVs and
information technology (IT) products such as computers and computer
monitors. The proposal, available at www.eia.org, represents the first
consensus agreement among IT and TV manufacturers on meeting the nation's
electronics recycling challenge.
EIA, headquartered in Arlington, Va., comprises nearly 1,300 member
companies whose products and services range from the smallest electronic
components to the most complex systems used by defense, space and industry,
including the full range of consumer electronic products. EIA has
established an electronics recycling website, www.ecyclingcentral.com, that
provides reuse, recycling and donation options for consumers across the
United States. The Alliance is composed of four sector organizations: the
Electronic Components, Assemblies and Materials Association; the Government
Electronics and Information Technology Association; the JEDEC Solid State
Technology Association; and the Telecommunications Industry Association.
CONTACT:
Kevin Schweers
(703) 907-7525
