Used Electronic Equipment
Management of Used Electronic Equipment in New York State
The NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act was signed into law on May 28, 2010. The law will ensure that every New Yorker will have the opportunity to recycle their electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
Used electronic equipment can encompass a variety of equipment including, but not limited to computers, CRTs, wireless telephones, electronic keyboards, mice, televisions, printers, monitors, portable digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, Blu-ray disc players, digital video recorders, digital converter boxes, cable or satellite receivers, electronic game consoles, PDAs, facsimile machines, and photocopiers, etc.
Much of this used electronic equipment contains hazardous elements and compounds, including lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can be toxic if released into the environment. Therefore, it is important that used electronic equipment is managed properly, which in some cases means management as a hazardous waste.
Available options for managing used electronic equipment include reuse, recycling, and disposal (which is least preferred and not always an option). To find more information on the proper management of used electronic equipment and which options are available for you or your organization, click on the appropriate guidance link below.
Click here for more information on the 2010 Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act and how it may impact you or your organization.
The NYSDEC is currently in the process of developing a proposed rulemaking that will amend regulations to streamline the management of used electronic equipment. Updated information on the "Proposed Used Electronic Equipment Rulemaking" process is available. Please note that the rulemaking has been put on hold while all resources have been focused on the implementation of the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act. Rulemaking activities will hopefully begin in the spring of 2011.
Recycling Wireless Telephones
Under the New York State Wireless Recycling Act, which became effective January 1, 2007, all wireless telephone service providers that offer phones for sale must accept cell phones for reuse or recycling. There are additional options and information available regarding the reuse and recycling of wireless telephones in New York State.
DMM, Bureau of Hazardous Waste and Radiation Management
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
