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Product Stewardship in NY State

Implementation of the new electronics take-back law in New York State was the focus of SWANA-NY Chapter's Fall Technical Session in Albany on November 3. Eight presentations from a noted group of experts covered topics including the costs of compliance to industry and recyclers, and methods of processing electronics for recycling and/or re-use. Participants were interested to hear how the industry is gearing up to establish collection points around the state, and how residents who are currently served by municipal programs that vary widely in scope will fare under the new law. Two e-waste recyclers from western New York demonstrated that a substantial recycling infrastructure already exists and will continue to be of key importance no matter how the program takes shape after April 1. Information about how to identify and develop contracts with 'certified' recyclers was also presented.

The seminar brought to light that, while the legislation's intent is clear, there are still many questions as to how local programs will be implemented come April.  One concern was that a system defined as "convenient" in some areas of the state may be just the opposite in others, with some in the audience questioning the ability of the electronics industry to serve residents adequately or with the same level of service many consumers now receive.  One concern expressed by municipal representatives was that they would shoulder the blame for any change in recycling services perceived as negative regardless of the fact that the law now makes the electronics industry responsible for services, a point that resulted in some lively give-and-take between speakers and audience. For more information, see the complete session proceedings of the Session at the SWANA-NY website.

Savings from NY E-Waste Law
The Long Island Town of Oyster Bay has reported that it expects to save over $100,000 this year as a result of the NYS e-waste law, when the e-waste contractor bills the manufacturers instead of the Town for its collection program.  Financial benefits to local governments from product stewardship legislation are potentially great, and yet another reason to do all you can to support this movement and the NYPSC today. More information on the financial benefits of product stewardship to local government can be found at the Product Stewardship Institute website.

 New York's second product stewardship bill, covering rechargeable batteries, was signed into law on December 13. The bill requires manufacturers to arrange for and finance the recycling of all used rechargeable batteries collected by retailers. The bill was sponsored by NY Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh. "With the Governor's signature, New York State is making the statement that through extended producer responsibility, manufacturers' accountability does not end once their products are sold," said Sen. Krueger. "I applaud Governor Paterson for taking this important step in helping protect the environment."

Assemblyman Kavanagh said, "Recycling and reuse are the path to a sustainable economy and a healthy environment, and we're committed to making sure that New York leads the way."  Please see the NYPSC press release and our website for further information. Thank you to all the NYPSC members and supporters who took actions to ensure the passage of this bill!

Product Stewardship in Other States

Pennsylvania has also joined the national trend towards products stewardship by passing E-Waste Bill HB 708 on November 24, 2010. Pennsylvania's first product stewardship law creates a program to recycle electronic waste including computers and televisions, and is funded through a registration fee paid for by manufacturers and retailers.  (Click here for a map of product stewardship laws nationwide.)

San Francisco Enacts Stewardship Program for Pharmaceuticals

San Francisco became the first city in the nation to mandate a drug-disposal program funded by pharmaceutical companies with the passage of drug-disposal legislation on December 14, 2010. The legislation will require pharmaceuticals manufacturers to set up, fund and operate a convenient take-back program for unwanted and expired pharmaceutical drugs by September 2011.

Maine Releases First Report on Product Stewardship

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection released its first report on product stewardship required by the framework law enacted in the state in 2010. The report
recommends adding paint, prescription drugs and syringes to existing product stewardship legislation. It also identifies carpeting, packaging and printed paper, alkaline batteries, plastic bags, phone books, mattresses, furniture and construction and demolition debris as candidates for future legislation. For more on Maine's ground-breaking product stewardship programs, see the Maine DEP website, and recent press coverage on the report.

New Steering Committee Member

NYPSC welcomes the newest member of our Steering Committee, Andrew Radin. A Syracuse native, Andrew serves as the Director of Recycling and Waste Reduction for the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA), and has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of recycling and solid waste management. He coordinates a team of recycling professionals who manage a wide variety of programs, including compost operations, household hazardous waste collection, electronic waste recovery, and community outreach.  Andrew has testified before the New York State Legislature advocating for expansion of the NYS Bottle Bill, and provided state elected officials with a real-world, local perspective as the State moved forward with passing Extended Producer Responsibility legislation for electronic waste. He is a long-time member of the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling, and currently serves on its Board of Directors. Andrew received a Masters of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a Masters of Environmental Science degree from the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He looks forward to participating in efforts to advance product stewardship policies as a key component of an equitable, sustainable materials economy.

Save the Date

The 2011 Federation of New York Solid Waste Associations Solid Waste/Recycling Conference & Trade Show will be held May 1-4, 2011 at the Sagamore on Lake George, Bolton Landing, New York. The program will include two hour-and-a-half panels on product stewardship topics, including presentations on the e-waste law, packaging, and the national scene. Stay tuned for more details.

Free Membership in Product Stewardship Institute 

For New York Local Governments

Did you know that all New York local governments are entitled to free Full Membership in the Product Stewardship Institute? Among other benefits, members can participate in upcoming networking conference calls on packaging and product stewardship. Other recent PSI calls for members have covered procurement, green chemistry, and an update on e-waste recycling standards (R2 and e-Stewards). 

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