Pioneering e-waste recycling law takes effect in Maine
Maine: It’s not just lobstah anymore. This week, the Pine Tree State became the first in the nation to require manufacturers to cover the cost of recycling televisions and computer monitors. Similar to e-waste laws already in force in Japan and some European countries, Maine’s new rule allows municipalities to bill the expenses of recycling dumped screens to manufacturers. The aim is to make it less costly for these localities to keep televisions and computer monitors — which can contain about five pounds of lead each, as well as mercury, cadmium, and other toxic chemicals — out of landfills. Maine’s groundbreaking-for-the-U.S. move is inspiring about 15 other states to consider similar legislation.
