Know the Law

NYC's Electronic Equipment Collection,Recycling and Reuse Act

Starting July 1, 2009, under NYC's Electronic Equipment Collection, Recycling and Reuse Act (Local Law 13 of 2008), New Yorkers can return used electronics to the manufacturer for recycling. After July 1, 2010, it will be illegal for New Yorkers to dispose of these items in the trash.

The following electronic equipment will be covered by Local Law 13 (of 2008):
computers
monitors
keyboards
mice
printers
TVs
portable digital music players

While cell phones are not covered by NYC’s new electronic recycling law, current New York State law requires that all cell phone service providers in the State accept cell phones for reuse or recycling from any person at no cost (limit 10 per person per day).

Responsibilities of electronics manufacturers
Local Law 13 (of 2008) requires electronics manufacturers to set up take-back programs by July 2009 for their products in NYC. If new electronics are purchased, manufacturers will have to accept for recycling any branded product similar to the ones sold to the consumer. Details of manufacturer take-back programs will be available once they have been implemented.

Costs to recycle electronics
Local Law 13 (of 2008) requires electronics manufacturers to accept electronics from NYC residents, small businesses, and nonprofits at no cost. Electronics manufacturers may charge a fee to other businesses (over 50 full-time employees) and governmental entities.

Electronics disposal: residents
Until July 1, 2010, NYC residents can legally discard unwanted or broken electronics (computers, monitors, TVs) in the trash, but recycling these items keeps hazardous materials out of the waste stream and the environment. Visit electronics recycling for info on current electronics recycling options.

Electronics disposal: businesses, nonprofits, government agencies
If not donating unwanted electronic equipment for reuse, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation currently requires all businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to dispose of unwanted electronics through dismantlers and recyclers. After July 1, 2010, according to NYC Local Law 13 (of 2008), it will be illegal to dispose of certain electronic equipment covered by the law in the trash.

Role of the NYC Department of Sanitation
DSNY is responsible for reviewing and approving all electronic waste management plans submitted by electronics manufacturers. These plans are due on September 1, 2008, and will outline how manufacturers will accept and recycle electronic products covered by Local Law 13 (of 2008). DSNY is also the agency in charge of enforcing NYC’s new electronics recycling law.

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