New Electronic Waste Recycling Bill Signed in Illinois

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Illinois passed new legislation today requiring electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle or reuse electronic waste (e-waste). Senate Bill 2313 is one of the most comprehensive pieces of e-waste recycling legislation in the nation. Sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett and State Rep. Elaine Nekritz, the bill creates a system by which manufacturers will partner with recyclers, refurbishers, and others to ensure that home computers, laptops, monitors, televisions, and printers will be kept out of Illinois landfills. ELPC Policy Advocates Joe Shacter and Mel Nickerson have played lead roles in framing the e-waste policies, negotiating with a wide range of industry interests, and advocating effectively for enactment of this important legislation.

“E-waste recycling will be easy for people, create new jobs for our state’s economy, and reduce toxic pollution of our environment. It’s a real win-win-win for Illinois,” said Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, which helped draft the legislation. “Illinois is now a national leader in solving the problem of e-waste, the fastest growing element of our country’s solid waste stream.”