Check out this interesting editorial from the New Richmond News:

New Richmond News

Published Friday, June 19 2009

Old computers, televisions, fax machines and more are gathering dust in many homes.

Many people don’t want to pay county recycling facilities to get rid of the items, so they are often stored in a basement or garage. Some are even dumped in the garbage that is eventually taken to a landfill.

That’s why a current proposal in the Wisconsin Legislature is picking up steam.

State Senate-passed Senate Bill 107 would provide a convenient means of properly disposing of old computers, televisions, printers and other electronic waste (e-waste) containing toxic substances.

The measure, if approved, will require electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle such toxic e-waste for consumers. If electronics manufacturers have sold the products, they should be a part of the solution to the problem.

E-waste often contains toxic mercury that pollutes our state’s lakes, streams and rivers. The mercury threatens the state’s fishing industry and endangers human health.

The old electronics equipment can also contain cadmium, lead, chromium and bromated flame retardants. When these items are sent to a landfill, these toxic substances leach into the ground and water.

That’s why the state needs a better way to dispose of such hazardous e-waste.

According to recent reports, the current system for disposing of e-waste is inefficient with only 10 percent of electronics properly recycled.

The bill was recently approved by the Wisconsin Senate. It now is in the Assembly for debate and a vote. If they approved the idea, Governor Jim Doyle would need to sign the legislation to put it into effect.

This should be a slam dunk for lawmakers. If not, the e-waste problem will only continue to get worse.

It is no longer a surprise that our environment is in trouble. By encouraging responsible behavior such as electronic waste recycling, Wired Wisconsin will strive to set an environmentally conscious and friendly example for technology consumers, businesses, and policy makers.