SF 1427: Bill to increase recycling of electronic waste

Consumer electronics such as TVs, computer equipment, and DVD players contain toxic metals and chemicals. These devices are safe for everyday use, but when thrown away, can release heavy metals and other chemicals into the environment and must be properly handled on disposal. Moreover, these products contain significant quantities of valuable materials such as copper and precious metals that can be recovered and recycled.

In 2007, Minnesota’s Electronic Recycling Act created a strong process for recovering these valuable materials, and since passage, this legislation has resulted in the successful collection of over 250 million pounds of electronic waste. However, since that time, technology has evolved and has led to a need to update the law to account for changes in products and consumer choices.

S.F. 1427 improves the calculation of the manufacturers’ obligation to recycle, reduces the screen size definitions to account for the increasing use of devices with smaller screens, and requires certification of recyclers in the program. These changes will help ensure that e-waste is both collected and recycled, and will nearly double the current amount of recycled e waste in Minnesota.

Members At The Time Of The Vote

This was a "voice vote" so individual votes were not recorded.