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Two high-profile technology groups have filed a legal challenge against a new law in New York City, which would require electronics manufacturers to pay for door-to-door pickup of discarded e-Waste starting July 31.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) filed the challenge, arguing it would force hundreds of additional trucks onto city streets, increase traffic congestion, as well as air and noise pollution. The groups also say the law will cost manufacturers more than $200 million annually.
"Despite the technology industry's best efforts to negotiate with New York City officials on a reasonable and effective recycling program, the (City of New York) is proceeding with plans to impose the most costly, burdensome and environmentally harmful electronics recycling requirements in the world," ITI Chief Executive Dan Garfield said in a statement. "At this point we have no option but to file suit to avoid the disastrous environmental and economic consequences of this poorly conceived regulation."
The disposal of electronic waste, or e-waste, has become a hot and controversial topic for the computer and electronics industries. Manufacturers are anxious to dispel images of unprotected laborers dismantling hazardous electronics in dumps in China, or other offshore sites. At the same time they are wrestling to find cost-effective means of dealing with the problem.
New Yorkers, it is believed, purchase some 90,000 tons of electronics each year. A city report found most of those goods end up being dumped in the trash with other household garbage. The danger is that without proper disposal, those electronics could end up releasing toxic substances like lead and mercury.
In response, New York City council passed an e-recycling law in March 2008 that requires manufacturers to take back their electronics and provide pick-up service for products weighing 15 pounds or more. Beginning in 2010, anyone throwing out an old computer, television, iPod or other discarded electronics item into the trash, could face a $100 fine. And manufacturers who refuse to recycle merchandise returned to them could be fined for each violation.
The ITI and CEA say they realize industry has to play a key role in recycling initiatives, but that the costs for collection and recycling should be shared among all stakeholders, including city and state governments, retailers and consumers.
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