INTRODUCTION
Information technology has improved exponentially over the past few decades. Computers have become smaller, faster, cheaper, and more accessible; and as they do, their predecessors become obsolete. These old systems end up in attics, closets, basements, garages… and landfills. They are joined by obsolete cell phones, old stereos, and outdated TVs. Once in the landfill, these products can leach toxic heavy metals like lead and mercury. These discarded electronic products pose a formidable environmental challenge to our communities. We must have a way to safely reuse, recycle, and dispose of electronic waste.

Photo courtesy of the White House

 “Electronic waste” is a term used to describe old computers, cell phones, televisions, VCRs, copy machines, and the like. Most of these products contain toxic substances that pose a danger to human health when they are not properly handled. Electronic waste is the fastest growing portion of our nation’s waste stream. States must have a plan to deal with all this waste.

This website contains the tools needed to create electronic waste legislation in your state, including a sample bill, talking points, press clips, a fact pack, links, and other background information.

We may have other useful materials on this subject which are not posted on our website. Please feel free to contact us at info@serconline.org or call our office in Madison, WI at (608) 252-9800.

If you’ve used this site and found it helpful or, if you have suggestions about how it could be made more helpful, please let us know. Please feel free to use the sample bill text included here in your state. If you do, please notify us.

Many thanks to David Wood and the Computer TakeBack Campaign for providing sample legislation and for assistance with this package.
This package was last updated on July 30, 2003.
State Environmental Resource Center
106 East Doty Street, Suite 200 § Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Phone: 608-252-9800 § Fax: 608-252-9828
Email: info@serconline.org