Electronic Waste Bill Passed

Governor Jim Doyle signed a bill banning certain electronics from landfills and requiring manufacturers to provide consumers with a means to properly dispose of electronics into law Oct. 23.

It’s estimated that less than 10 percent of electronic waste in the United States is recycled property.

Electronic waste often contains toxic mercury that pollutes Wisconsin lakes, rivers and streams. Beyond mercury, e-waste often also contains cadmium, lead, chromium and bromated flame retardants. When electronic waste is landfilled, these toxic substances leach into the ground and water, threatening human and environmental health.