PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island will reportedly attempt to establish a manufacturer-financed system for the collection, recycling and reuse of old computers and other consumer electronic waste, under a measure now before the R.I. General Assembly.

The measure, called the Electronic Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling Act (H7880 and S2631), also suggests state “encourage the design of covered electronic products that are less toxic, more durable and more recyclable.”

The measure would apply to new desktop and laptop computers, computer monitors, television sets, and TV or video display with a diagonally measured screen four inches or larger.

The legislation would bar non-complying manufacturers from offering the listed products in the state, and keep retailers from selling new electronic equipment from manufacturers that do not comply with the new law.

Manufacturers would be required to register each year by Sept. 1 and be assessed $5,000 per year. Companies on the list would then be required to provide a list of all brands it makes, sells or imports into Rhode Island.

Sheila Dormody, Rhode Island director of Clean Water Action, said in a statement, “When manufacturers are responsible for their waste, it creates a market incentive for them to reduce their costs by eliminating hazardous materials and designing products to be more durable, less toxic, and easier to recycle.”

Nine states have already passed legislation requiring manufacturers to contribute to the cost of collecting and recycling electronic waste produced by their products.

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