Audio Video News

New York City's new electronics recycling law has attracted criticism from two major trade groups who point to what they call "disastrous" consequences.

The groups in question are the Consumer Electronics Association and the Information Technology Industry Council. They have filed suit against the new law, which requires that manufacturers make door-to-door collections of recycled electronics.

Says a press release: "The regulation...will force hundreds of additional trucks onto city streets, needlessly increasing traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and carbon emissions. Estimates suggest the requirements will cost manufacturers, including many small businesses, more than $200 million annually, resulting in cost increases to consumers and job losses."

While the two groups do not deny that manufacturers should "have a key role" in recycling efforts, says CEA CEO Gary Shapiro, the cost should "be shared among all stakeholders, including city and state governments, retailers, recyclers and consumers."

New York City and 18 states have approved such recycling laws since 2004, and 13 more states have introduced similar measures this year, according to The New York Times. "The laws vary significantly from state to state," the newspaper says. "But in most, manufacturers are responsible for the collection and recycling system, although some will pay states or counties to handle the pickup."

Electronic waste exposes soil and groundwater to toxic chemicals and heavy metals. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2.6 million tons of e-waste were dumped in landfills in 2007.

For a detailed description of the NYC recycling law, see the city website.