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Department of Ecology News Release - June 9, 2009
09-136
OLYMPIA – Electronics manufacturers are stepping up to pay back the state for the start-up loan they received two years ago when they took responsibility for the E-Cycle Washington program. The state's groundbreaking law was the first in the nation requiring manufacturers to fully finance the collection and recycling of computers, TVs and monitors. E-Cycle Washington provides free recycling of these electronics to most consumers in Washington.
The electronics manufacturers established the statewide recycling program through participation in the manufacturer-run Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority (WMMFA). At its June 2007 meeting, the WMMFA board signed an agreement for a $500,000 loan from the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) to help with start-up costs for the E-Cycle Washington program.
After five months of program operation and 15 million pounds of computers, monitors and TVs collected statewide, WMMFA officials have paid back their loan to the state on time.
"With bankruptcies and bailouts dominating the national news, it's gratifying that our business partners operating this state's electronics recycling program have made it such a success," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "They are fulfilling their financial responsibilities to the taxpayers of Washington and are providing a needed service to consumers."
Under the landmark E-Cycle Washington program, electronics manufacturers are required to pay for recycling TVs, computers, monitors and laptops. The program, which started on Jan. 1, 2009, allows households, schools, small businesses, small governments, special purpose districts and charities to drop off these items at designated collection sites for free. The program now operates 245 collection sites across the state and is adding an average of one new site per week.
“This program reflects the concept of product stewardship, putting responsibility for the convenient and safe recycling of a product on its maker,” said Suellen Mele, program director for Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation. “And consumers are doing their part by bringing their old electronics to the collection sites for recycling. The program is off to a great start.”
Making sure old electronic products like TVs and computers are responsibly recycled instead of ending up in the garbage is one way to protect people and the environment from the serious effects of toxic components. These products contain heavy metals and chemicals at hazardous levels that make them difficult to dispose of safely. For example, depending on its size, a TV's cathode ray tube contains an estimated four to eight pounds of lead.
“Televisions have been the largest proportion of our recyclables,” said John Friedrick, WMMFA executive director. “With the national switch from analog to digital TV signals delayed until June 12, we may see another jump from folks trading up to new sets.”
Earlier this year, Congress delayed the deadline for broadcasters to switch from analog to digital signals from February to June 12, 2009. Those who get their signal with an antenna or “rabbit ears” will need to purchase a converter box to continue receiving programming.
The conversion from analog signals to digital signals may compel people to scrap their old analog TV and buy a new “high-def” TV or flat panel screen. If so, consumers are encouraged to protect the environment and the public's health by donating or reusing that old set, or safely recycling it through the E-Cycle Washington program.
“E-Cycle Washington is a great program for the environment,” said Jay Manning, Ecology's director. “It's a successful partnership of businesses, state and local governments, and non-profits. We are proving the product stewardship model can work to make a cleaner, greener, healthier state.”
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Media Contacts:
Kathy Davis, Ecology media relations, 360-407-6149
Miles Kuntz, Ecology Solid Waste, 360-407-7157
John Friedrick, WMMFA, 360-225-6222
For more information:
E-Cycle Washington: www.ecyclewashington.org/
Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority: www.wmmfa.net/
Collection data for May 2009 and year-to-date: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/docs/2009Collections.pdf
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
