An increasing amount of electronics waste is starting to pile up at some municipal recycling facilities across New Jersey. Guy Watson, chief of the Bureau of Recycling and Hazardous Waste Management at the state Department of Environmental Protection, said the Electronic Waste Management Act passed five years ago requires the manufacturers of televisions, computers and other products to reclaim and recycle them at the end of their life-cycle, but that hasn鈥檛 always been happening.
He pointed out the recycling of older televisions has especially become an issue at some municipal recycling centers because 鈥渕arket forces changed significantly in 2013, where those older type TVs went from a positive value in the recycling marketplace to a negative value.鈥�
He explained 鈥渢hat has caused some disruptions in terms of who would service that and who鈥檚 paying the price even though it鈥檚 supposed to be 鈥� the manufacturers.鈥�
Watson said some manufacturers have reshuffled who they鈥檙e working with to make sure their older electronics are picked up and properly recycled, and this has caused scheduling and other problems at certain recycling centers. Electronic devices covered by New Jersey鈥檚 recycling law include televisions, computer monitors, desk top computers, laptops, and any derivation of computer or screen.
Watson pointed out 鈥渢his law does not cover microwaves and DVD players even though at many of the municipal locations they will accept that material as well.鈥� He said more than 90 percent of manufacturers are complying with the law and recycling their old components, but the DEP is taking enforcement action against the manufacturers not fulfilling their responsibilities.
When asked which companies are not cooperating, he declined to name them because the matter is currently in litigation. Watson added if anyone notices recycling material piling up at a municipal facility, they should call the DEP. 鈥淲e will contact the manufacturers that are responsible, we will contact them and let them know they have to get this straightened out,鈥� he said.
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