Oregon leaders blast electronics industry for opposing New York City's new recycling law

Scott Learn

Nov. 6, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Oregon legislators and the Metro regional government are among those protesting a lawsuit by the electronics industry that seeks to revoke New York City's new requirements for recycling televisions, computers and other electronic waste.

The Oregon Legislature's environmental committee leaders -- Sen. Jackie Dingfelder and Rep. Ben Cannon, both Portland Democrats -- were among those signing a letter today asking the Consumer Electronics Association to withdraw the lawsuit.

Dingfelder was a sponsor of Oregon's electronics recycling law, which kicked in Jan. 1 and requires electronics manufacturers to pay for recycling of televisions, computers and monitors statewide.

The letter, signed by leaders from Oregon, Washington and 16 other states that have enacted or plan to enact manufacturer-funded electronics recycling programs, notes that electronic products contain hazardous substances. The lawsuit is "a direct challenge to state and local government efforts to protect public health and the environment," the letter says.

Metro President David Bragdon also signed the letter. Metro is among those to have filed a friend of the court brief in U.S. District Court supporting the city.

In the lawsuit, electronics industry groups argue that New York City's law is uniquely onerous for manufacturers. "While each of the other state programs imposes some burdens on manufacturers, none remotely approaches the draconian level of burdens that New York City's E-waste program imposes," the complaint says.

Under the city's law, manufacturers are required to pick up televisions, computers, monitors, printers and other electronic devices weighing more than 15 pounds directly from residents. Residents can mail back lighter items at manufacturers' expense, or drop them off at manufacturer-financed recycling centers.

By contrast Oregon and Washington's e-waste laws require manufacturers to fund only drop-off recycling of electronic waste, not mailing or direct pickup.

-- Scott Learn

Newstex ID: KRTB-0165-39514598