REMINDER: New E-Waste Site Law in Effect Beginning Jan1, 2015

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef Reminds us about the E-waste Law   Computers, TVs, printers, phones and more are often made with heavy metals and toxic chemicals that harm our environment and public health (particularly when incinerated or dumped in landfills).  After the New Year, the final leg of New York’s 2010 electronics recycling law takes effect, making it illegal for consumers to throw away so-called “e-waste” in the garbage. Violators will be charged a $100 fine for each infraction.  The law prevents heavy metals, acids and other hazardous materials from ending up in soil and drinking water.

There are a variety of easy ways to dispose of e-waste: 1) the retailer from which you purchased the product may accept it for recycling 2) local municipalities often schedule e-waste recycling days 3) the E-Waste Alliance Network allows you to search by county for recycling facilities.  Go to: http://www.ewaste.com/partners.php  4) and the DEC maintains a list of waste recyclers.  Go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/9085.html.      HOWEVER, this year’s 5th Annual Earth Day Festival (Sat. April 18th) at Louis Engel Waterfront Park will continue the tradition of offering an E-Waste  Collection site.  Maybe some pre-pre Spring clean-out this winter?