New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently released its first E-Waste Recycling Report finding that more than 318 million pounds of e-waste was collected from 2011 through 2014. Under New York’s Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act (Act), as of January 2015 all state consumers are required to recycle, and are prohibited from disposing of, electronic waste. Free recycling programs for consumers are provided by electronic equipment manufacturers under the Act.
DEC Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos, who serves as ECOS’ Region II Executive Committee Representative, commented that the Act’s effects include removing costs for municipal recycling programs, diverting e-waste from landfills and combustion facilities, and conserving natural resources.
