Wired Wisconsin: E-waste recycling law showing early results

Contact: Thad Nation, 414.412.7814

Electronics recycling up significantly in Brown County

MILWAUKEE — The E-Cycle Wisconsin program – the electronics waste recycling law that took effect September 1st – is already showing significant results.

Mark Brown, facility manager for the Brown County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, said in a recent interview that the plant has seen dramatic increases in the amount of electronics recycled, from up to 15,000 pounds per month before the new law took effect to up to 50,000 pounds per month since.

Similarly, the Good News Project in Wausau – a non-profit organization that builds houses for the poor – has seen an uptick in the amount of electronics recycled through its organization, allowing it to further its humanitarian efforts. The Good News Project has been able to hold several recycling drives in multiple cities in Wisconsin as a result of the legislation.

“It’s clear that the e-waste recycling law is having a dramatic impact on our state, even in the short time since it took effect,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wired Wisconsin. “For every computer, DVD player, or other electronic device that’s recycled, we’re able to recover reusable components and prevent hazardous substances from polluting our environment. The early returns look promising for the future of Wisconsin’s ecosystem.”

Governor Doyle signed the e-waste recycling legislation into law late last year. Among the devices covered by the law are computers, printers, video displays, computer peripherals, fax machines, DVD players, and cell phones.

More information on the law and a list of collection sites are available at http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ecycle/index.htm.