Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) has introduced legislation—House Bill 7 --to establish a program to recycle electronic devices such as television and computer monitors in Pennsylvania.

"Electronic manufacturers and recyclers alike agree that a common multi-state initiative is needed to develop markets for recyclables and avoid a confusing patchwork of legislation in the absence of action on the federal level," Ross said.

Computers and television screens can contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury and fire-retardant plastics.

"In addition to protecting the environment, recycling electronic devices allows them to be either reused or broken down into useable parts," Ross said.

Ross said that he and several lawmakers met over a period of 14 months under the auspices of the Eastern Regional Conference of the Council of State Governments to address this issue.

"We crafted a model bill, which is currently being introduced in substantially the same form in many northeast and Mid-Atlantic States as well as the Midwest," Ross said.

Ross' legislation requires the Department of Environmental Protection to take competitive bids for the collection, transportation and recycling of the covered electronic devices.

The costs of the program will be paid by the manufacturers and apportioned based on their previous year's market share. A manufacturer can choose to meet its obligation by operating its own recycling program and earn credits if it recycles more than its share.

"There will be no fees paid directly by consumers," Ross said.

8/4/2006