Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces $3 million is available from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) in grants to assist municipalities in New York state with recent, unexpected costs of collection and recycling of eligible electronic wastes. New York State consumers are required to recycle electronic waste, such as computers, keyboards, televisions and small electronic equipment, in an environmentally responsible manner. These grants, part of the most recent state budget\u2019s $300 million investment in the EPF, are meant to mitigate growing unexpected financial costs for municipalities so they can recycle electronic waste efficiently and sustainably.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York State is a leader in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability, and the responsible recycling of electronic waste is an essential component of these efforts,\u201d Cuomo said. \u201cThis funding will provide resources across the state to ensure cleaner communities for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
The $300 million bump for the Environmental Protection Fund is the highest level in the fund\u2019s history, and an increase of $138 million since Cuomo took office. Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the EPF funding will provide local governments the support and flexibility they need to address e-waste \u201cGovernor Cuomo recognizes the importance of New York\u2019s e-waste recycling laws to help protect our environment,\u201d Seggos said. \u201cThe governor also recognizes the challenges local governments face in addressing e-waste in their communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
This grant program will run through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation\u2019s Household Hazardous Waste State Assistance Program. Municipalities will be eligible for reimbursement of up to 50 percent of eligible expenses incurred for collection and recycling of e-waste between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017.<\/p>\n
Senator Tom O\u2019Mara, Chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee said the decision to extend the funding was \u201cone of the most important actions we\u2019ve ever taken in New York government for the benefit of local economies, environments and taxpayers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recycling of electronic waste has become extremely burdensome and costly for local governments and property taxpayers,\u201d O\u2019Mara said. \u201cThis new funding will help reduce this burden immediately and we need to keep working to address this challenge on a long-term basis through regulatory reform.\u201d<\/p>\n
Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation, said these grants came about as a direct result of a hearing held by the Environmental Conservation Committee, during which municipalities raised concerns the cost of effective E-waste disposal, as well as the manufacturer\u2019s compliance with the law.<\/p>\n
Peter A. Baynes, Executive Director of the New York State Conference of Mayors, said he believes this funding will improve the quality of life for New Yorkers. \u201cAt a time when cities and villages are being forced to make very difficult choices, this $3 million for e-waste recycling will help to eliminate one of those choices, allowing them to be environmentally responsible by ensuring that electronics are properly disposed of within their communities,\u201d Baynes said.<\/p>\n
Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties, said, \u201cLocal governments and their taxpayers have been picking up the cost of disposal for electronic waste. This is not the intent of the present law. I commend Governor Cuomo for dedicating state resources to help ease the burden on local taxpayers and encourage all parties to implement an improved disposal system in New York State.\u201d<\/p>\n