DEC urges New Yorkers to recycle, not trash, electronics

Give a gift to the environment this holiday season by recycling unwanted electronics

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today reminded New Yorkers that, as of January 1, 2015, the state Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act prohibits certain types of electronic waste from being placed in the trash, or at the curbside for trash pickup. Citing the potential for environmental harm from improperly disposing electronics, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens urged New Yorkers to properly recycle unwanted computers, televisions and other electronics through the many free or low-cost options currently available.

"Incinerating electronic waste or disposing of it in a landfill can potentially put hazardous materials into the air and soil," Martens said. "New York state law requires manufacturers to provide recycling of electronic waste for consumers. Recycling electronics is one of the greatest gifts New Yorkers can give to the environment."

Consumers can learn how to recycle electronic waste, as well as which electronic equipment can be recycled for free in New York, on the DEC website, http://bit.ly/NYewaste.

On DEC's electronics recycling webpage, consumers will find the manufacturer's brand of equipment they wish to recycle, as well as a link to the manufacturer's recycling program webpage and a toll-free number for information about electronics recycling. DEC's website also provides guidance for businesses, agencies and organizations on how to recycle electronics, regardless of the manufacturer.

Electronic equipment manufacturers who sell in New York are required to accept for recycling or reuse their brand of equipment, as well as one piece of the same type of electronic waste of any manufacturer's brand.

"When you buy a new television, both the manufacturer of your new television and the manufacturer of your old television are required to accept your old television for recycling," Martens said. "It's the best way to enjoy a new computer or television, easily recycle the old one, and know you are doing your part to protect the environment."

Consumers eligible for free and convenient recycling include: households, for-profit businesses, corporations with fewer than 50 full-time employees, not-for-profit corporations with fewer than 75 full-time employees, not-for-profit corporations under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, schools and governmental entities located in New York. For-profit businesses with 50 or more full-time employees and not-for-profit corporations with 75 or more fulltime employees may be charged a recycling fee, as well as any consumer who opts for a premium service.

Find recycling options and locations on DEC's website at http://bit.ly/NYewaste.