Minnesota legislators approve revamped e-scrap program

By Editorial Staff, E-Scrap News

May 26, 2016

A bill to update the state electronics recycling framework in Minnesota is now awaiting the signature of the state's governor.

The legislation, HF 2841, was introduced into the state's House of Representatives in March. After receiving amendments and approval from the Senate in a 54-0 vote, the bill was passed by the House on a 130-0 vote last week and moved to the desk of Gov. Mark Dayton.

The bill amends the state's extended producer responsibility program for electronics in a number of ways. It removes from the statute's "display devices" category items such as laptops, tablets and other electronics that typically carry value via resale or parts harvesting. TVs and computer monitors would continue to be labeled as display devices.

The legislation also sets out specific weight minimums that must be covered by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) funding the program. From July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 (the upcoming program year), computer and television manufacturers would be responsible for collecting at least 25 million pounds of material. Requirements for individual OEMs would be determined based on past sales data.

In the 2017-18 program year, the collection goal would drop to 23 million pounds, and the year after that it would fall to 21 million pounds. Starting in 2019, no statutory target would exist and obligations would be determined based on the weight of computers and monitors collected through the state program.

Finally, the bill makes some notable changes for e-scrap companies working within the program.

The amendment specifically notes recycling companies will not be able to charge for collection of covered electronics. And it stipulates all collected material counting toward manufacturer obligations must be handled by recycling companies holding a third-party certification, such as e-Stewards or R2.