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Hawley shares info on state's new electronics disposal law

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is advising his constituents about the new way consumers are required to dispose of electronic equipment. Starting Jan. 1, the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act will require that consumers dispose of electronic equipment by either returning it to either the manufacturer or a designated New York State Waste Collection Site.

“There is now a new way that consumers are required to dispose of their electronic equipment. I want to make sure that my constituents are aware of this change to the law so they are in compliance,” Hawley said. “The new way electronics must be disposed of is simple and easy to understand and costs the consumer nothing. If you have any questions, feel free to contact my office and we will be happy to help.”

Under this law, there are two way to dispose of your electronics. The first way is to use the newly required product manufacturers' take-back program. A listing of manufacturers and how to contact them about the take-back program can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/82084.html. The second way is to drop off your electronics at a designated New York State Waste Collection Site. A list of collection sites can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/ewcolsites.pdf. Call ahead to make sure the specific collection site is able to take back your specific piece of electronic equipment.

For more information about the new take-back program, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/66872.html. This includes a listing of electronic equipment that is covered by the program. If you have any questions or encounter any problems, call the Department of Environmental Conservation at 518-402-8706.

Peter O'Brien

So throw my stuff out the old way before the end of the year, got it. Eff you NY. I am not giving you my electronics so you can harvest the metals and make money off of me.

Nov 25, 2014, 9:47am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

You're not giving it to New York. You're giving it to the original manufacturers or to recycle centers, such as Genesee ARC.

The real bit of big government overreach here is the state requiring manufacturers to take the stuff back.

Nov 25, 2014, 11:25am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

LOL there are always hobbists who assemble computers and repair electronic equipment from non working stuff so this isnt the only disposal method. Also the computer shops locally will take back used electronic equipment for exactly the reason Peter suggested recovery of precious metals. Only problem is most have to have at least 2 to 5 tons of stuff to make it worthwhile.

I am always willing to take outdated or obsolete computer, laptop or smartphones. I am handy enough to recycle them make them functional and get them to users who because of tech ignorance or money issues wouldn't normally be able to obtain them. I know of many many more like me in the area as well who do the same.

Nov 25, 2014, 3:27pm Permalink

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