New York law makes throwing away electronics illegal

On Jan. 1 it will become illegal to throw away any electronic equipment in New York state.

The new law is known as the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act of 2010.

Many of the components in electronics contain chemicals, including heavy metals, that can be harmful to human health and the environment, Tompkins County Solid Waste Manager Barbara Eckstrom said in a news release.

“For a number of years, residents have been able to bring those items to our facility to be recycled and properly disposed of in a safe manner,” she said.

Tompkins County residents can recycle their old or non-functioning electronics for free at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center, 160 Commercial Ave. Finger Lakes ReUse, at 2255 North Triphammer Road, accepts items that still work. Electronic equipment manufacturers who sell in New York state will be required to accept recycling or reuse of their equipment.

Homeowners, businesses and waste haulers must comply with the new e-waste law provisions or face fines, the news release said.

Visit recycletompkins.org for more information on electronics recycling.

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