Senator Rob Kupec Proposes Bill For Free Statewide E-Waste Disposal In Minnesota

Senator Rob Kupec Proposes Bill For Free Statewide E-Waste Disposal In Minnesota

Minnesota residents may soon see a new way to dispose of their electronic waste without the usual fee. Senator Rob Kupec has put forward a bill, SF 1690, that aims to update the state's e-waste disposal system in response to the rapidly evolving electronic landscape. The proposed system, as reported by the Senate DFL website, would allow Minnesotans to drop off most forms of electronic waste without any charge.

In a statement obtained by the Senate DFL website, Sen. Kupec addressed the insufficient nature of Minnesota's current e-waste laws: "Our current laws aren’t keeping up. That’s why it’s time to create a system that works for consumers, producers, and all communities in Minnesota that will address the growing challenge of e-waste disposal in our state." Passed in Thursday's Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee hearing, SF 1690 looks to remedy the issue where only about 24% of the state's e-waste is currently recycled, with the remaining bulk likely ending up in landfills or incineration, potentially causing fires in landfills and accidents involving batteries at recycling facilities.

The bill, if enacted, would revamp the existing Minnesota Electronics Recycling Act, establishing a free statewide e-waste disposal system. Funding for this new initiative wouldn't fall on consumers or government units but would instead be covered by electronic producers. They would pay rates set by the Covered Products Reimbursement Board, a body that would be composed of various solid waste interests.

According to the Senate DFL website, Minnesota generates an estimated 266 million pounds of e-waste annually, with up to $3.2 billion in critical materials and minerals lost due to the current disposal practices. SF 1690 aims to not only decrease e-waste but also to recover valuable resources. The bill, having cleared the Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee, is expected to be heard next in the State and Local Government Committee.

SOURCE: hoodline