Wired Wisconsin: New Wisconsin e-recycling law boosting state economy

Contact: Thad Nation, 414.412.7814

MILWAUKEE — The new E-Cycle Wisconsin program, which requires state residents to recycle their electronic waste, is already helping to grow the state economy.

E-waste collectors and recyclers from across Wisconsin have seen a significant influx of electronic equipment since the law took effect on September 1st, which means more business and, ultimately, more jobs.

“Wisconsin’s e-waste recycling law is smart policy, both for our environment and our economy,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wired Wisconsin. “Not only are we keeping hazardous substances like nickel and lead out of our ecosystems, we’re also generating economic growth through the recycling and redistribution process.”

Once designated collection organizations receive old electronic equipment from consumers and business, the equipment is sent to recyclers who break it down into its component parts, many of which are then crushed and smelted. The raw materials are then sold to manufacturers at a lower cost than they would pay for new materials, saving those companies money and improving their bottom line.

A typical older desktop computer and a CRT monitor weigh approximately 60 pounds combined. The two components contain roughly:

* 15 pounds of glass

* 14 pounds of plastic

* 12 pounds of iron

* 8 pounds of aluminum

* 4 pounds of copper

* 4 pounds of lead

* 1 pound of zinc

“With recyclers and collectors seeing more business, and manufacturers streamlining costs, e-waste recycling has been a win-win across the state economy,” Nation said.

More information about the products covered under the e-waste law and a list of collection sites is available at http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ecycle/index.htm.