The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a public hearing this week on the issue of electronic waste recycling and heard from a variety of witnesses on the growing demand for these services.

Tom Fidler, Deputy Secretary with the Department of Environmental Protection, said the volume of electronic waste will increase dramatically as televisions, radios and other equipment becomes obsolete because of the change to digital formats.

He noted that 13 states now have adopted programs on electronic waste recycling.

Ric Erdheim, Counsel for Phillips Electronics, said the biggest problem facing electronics recycling is cathode ray tubes as new televisions and computer monitors are phased into service.

Valerie Rickman, from the Information Technology Industry Council, said states have adopted alternative approaches to electronics recycling, including a point-of-sale fee system like California, other states like Maryland impose a fee on manufacturers the state then uses to fund local collection/recycling programs.

Brian Rider, Pennsylvania Retailers Association, said his group supports producer responsibility for recycling and encourages consumer education on recycling.

Francis Valluzzo, Dell, Inc., said Dell has established a global recycling system that is free to consumers and is designed to prevent computers from ending up in landfills. He offered draft legislation for the Committee to consider.

John Frederick, Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, said DEP has done a lot of work on electronics recycling and was glad the issue was being discussed and not ignored. He said consumer convenience needed to be a priority in any system as well as a program for any hazardous wastes that come through the process.

To watch an online video of the hearing, go to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee webpage.

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair of the Committee.

6/20/2008