Pennsylvania’s new electronics recycling law takes effect in January and will mean a few changes for state residents. Waste Management is North America’s leading provider of environmental services and wants to help Pennsylvania communities, institutions comply with the new state law while assuring environmental protection.
The new law, known as the Covered Devices Recycling Act, bans the disposal of TV’s and computer equipment at transfer stations and landfills. Beginning in January, waste haulers no longer will pick up televisions and computer equipment for disposal. Computer equipment includes laptops, monitors, CPU’s, printers, scanners, keyboards, mouses, speakers, cables and battery backups. These items, if placed at the curb, will be left at the curb.
Here are a few important points Pennsylvania residents should know about the state’s new electronics recycling law:
- Households and operators of businesses with fewer than 50 employees have access to free recycling of TV’s and computer equipment. More information about electronics recycling service is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or your county recycling office.
- The companies that collect, process and recycle electronics in Pennsylvania must have R2 or similar certification. These certifications assure the public that any information contained in recycled devices is protected until the time the device is destroyed. These certifications also assure that human health and the environment are protected at all steps during the recycling process, whether the recycling occurs in the United States or abroad.
For more information, including as a resource for ongoing e-cycling services and e-cycling events, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us.