Health and Environment Groups Intervene in Federal Pollution Case Against Coal Plant Operator
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
ELPC Applauds Passage of Wisconsin’s Electronic Products Recycling Bill
Legislation will reduce toxic pollution and create jobs
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Assembly passed the Electronic Products Recycling Bill (Senate Bill 107) that requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the growing problem of electronic waste. The new bill, authored by Senator Mark Miller and cosponsored by Representative Penny Bernard Schaber, passed with a bipartisan vote of 57-37.
“Electronic waste is the fastest growing toxic segment of the solid waste stream, and this Wisconsin legislation is part of the solution,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, which advised on policy and built support for the legislation. “This legislation helps solve our e-waste problems, creates jobs and makes recycling easier for residents. It’s a win-win-win for Wisconsin.”
When electronic products end up in landfills, the toxins such as lead, mercury cadmium and beryllium can seep into our soil and groundwater. Products that aren’t recycled responsibly can also end up in salvage yards in developing nations where their toxins can contaminate air and water and damage the health of low-paid laborers who dismantle them.
To address this issue, 19 other states have enacted similar electronics recycling bills that require electronics manufacturers to set up a take-back program for used electronics or to partner with local recyclers to offer residents more electronics recycling venues close to home. The Electronic Products Recycling Act will ensure that Wisconsin residents have free, convenient options to recycle their electronic products.
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The Environmental Law and Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization www.ELPC.org
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