Update: January 9, 2017
We’re pleased to report the Governor has signed S-981 into law. For more, click here to see our January 9, 2017 update.
Update, December 7:
On November 21, A-2375 passed the General Assembly by a vote of 60-12. The Senate companion, S-981 previously passed the State Senate.
The legislation now awaits action by the Governor.
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The League supports S-981 and A-2375, regarding so-called “e-waste.” Specifically, this legislation would require each manufacturer of “covered electronic devices” to provide for the collection, transportation, and recycling of its market share in weight of all covered electronic devices collected in a program year. Similar legislation advanced in the lame duck session but was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
The “Electronic Waste Management Act” intended to require manufacturers to provide for the recycling of residential covered electronic devices at no cost to taxpayers. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, it has not worked out that way. Local governments have wound up subsidizing the program with taxpayer dollars in order to ensure that 100% of the material collected is properly recycled. A-2375 intended to address this inequity for taxpayers.
We are further encouraged that the fiscal analysis prepared by the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) anticipates costs savings to local governments, if A-2375 were to be implemented.
A-2375 will ensure that manufacturers provide for a “free and convenient” recycling program for all of the covered electronic devices that are collected and further eliminate the need for local governments, and by extension our property taxpayers, to either absorb these costs or eliminate their programs.
S-981 has passed the State Senate and joins its companion bill A-2375 at second reading in the Assembly, which means it can be posted for a final vote. Please contact your Assembly representatives and the Governor’s Office and ask for their support of S-981 and A-2375.
Contact: Michael F. Cerra, Assistant Executive Director, 609-695-3481 x120, mcerra@njslom.org.