Electronic Waste Law: State of Washington
This brief case study describes a 2009 recycling law in the State of Washington that requires manufacturers to pay for the costs of hiring vendors to haul away electronic waste plus reimburse the government .09 cents per pound for e-waste collection costs.
This law is a good example of how manufacturers can be enlisted in environmentally-friendly and cost-effective disposal methods. The electronic waste parts collected can be used in the manufacture of new products, thus limiting the need for virgin raw materials and the consequent environmental impact.
It also highlights how such laws can save local governments money, while increasing industry accountability. If manufacturers must reclaim and recycle their products after use, the ease of deconstruction and limiting of toxicity become more important in the design process.
The collection, reprocessing, marketing, and use of materials that were diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream.
