E-waste recycling struggles drawing state's attention

Lawmakers say e-waste recycling should be simpler and more affordable, but there’s a long road ahead to achieve that goal.

This week, however, some progress has been made.

Legislation introduced by Rep. Lisa Borowski, D-Newtown Square, would update the the state’s existing electronic waste recycling infrastructure. Supporter say additional funding for programs would create additional drop-off locations, making it more convenient and less expensive for residents to recycle electronic devices, or e-waste.

During a recent hearing on the subject, members of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee described Borowski’s efforts as “Herculean.”

“It is gratifying to see HB1607 start to move forward,” Borowski told the Center Square via email. “I am grateful to Chair Matzie and Chair Marshall for facilitating the recent hearing which allowed stakeholders and my committee colleagues to provide feedback meant to strengthen the legislation.”

“The work continues,” she said, “and I look forward to collaborating with all those who have a vested interest in seeing this legislation finally make it across the finish line. Consumers, municipalities, and counties have been waiting and action from the legislature is needed now.”

Borowski’s bill would allow counties throughout the state to participate in a collaborative, self-sustaining system comprised of the manufacturing, recycling, and retail industries, as well as local governments and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Faron Savitz, zero waste advocate for PennEnvironment, said the bill would also eliminate drop-off fees, decrease overall costs for residents and businesses, and “help stem the flow of toxic and harmful materials into our environment and help protect not just our wildlife, but our own health.”

He pointed out that electronics have “shorter and shorter lifespans,” and quickly become obsolete – one of the biggest challenges is dealing with the amount of waste that creates. He cited EPA statistics showing e-waste has increased by 42% since 2000 in the U.S.

It is illegal in Pennsylvania to dispose of e-waste in the trash, but inconvenience and cost lead to improper disposal or dumping.

Due to the heavy metals, combustible parts, and toxins they are made with, they should not be going into a landfill or incinerator, Savitz said. These items also contain valuable components – such as gold, copper, platinum, and silver – that could be recovered and reused for new products. The estimated value of unrecovered metals and minerals in e-waste is valued at around $57 billion globally.

Savitz told the committee, of the state’s 443 total collection sites, there are only nine that offer unrestricted access. That’s equivalent to serving one-fifth of the state’s population, and just 5.1% of its geographic land area.

“Representative Borowski’s legislation to update and improve Pennsylvania’s existing electronic waste recycling infrastructure is modeled after successful legislation used in other states and would require purchasers of electronics to pay a small deposit that would be used to fund e-waste collection and recycling,” he said.

The bill would also establish convenience standards for collection sites based on population density and a reporting system to keep track of fees, deposits, and the amount of e-waste collected.

Members of the committee said illegal hurts their communities, though free e-cycling events attract many residents.

Rep. Steven Malagari, D-Lansdale, said his office held such an event that was extremely well attended, and he has people come to his office every day asking, “when’s the next one?”

Chair Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Aliquippa, told members the 49-page bill deserves the appropriate level of attention, “from a hearing, talking to stakeholders, et cetera, to determine what makes the most sense to get something across the finish line.”