Contact: Thad Nation
414.412.7814
Milwaukee — After the Electronic Products Recycling Bill (SB 107) passed through the Wisconsin State Legislature yesterday, Wired Wisconsin, a nonprofit technology issue advocacy coalition, strongly encouraged Governor Doyle to sign the bill into law so consumers have safer options when getting rid of old computers and other electronics containing harmful chemicals.
“We’re very pleased legislators have demonstrated a commitment to protecting Wisconsin residents from serious e-waste related health risks by passing this legislation,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wired Wisconsin. “It’s now vitally important that Governor Doyle sign the bill into law, providing a free statewide e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal program for Wisconsin residents.”
E-waste – and the dangerous chemicals it contains that can cause cancer, brain damage, and development problems in children – is a real problem with over 2 million pounds dumped every year in America. If Governor Doyle signs SB 107 bill into law, Wisconsin would be the 20th state in the country to pass similar legislation.
“Passing this long overdue legislation would enable consumers to make better choices of what to do with their old electronics—keeping harmful chemicals out of our landfills and environment through safely recycling and disposing of e-waste,” Nation said.
Wisconsin’s e-waste bill is very similar to a bill already adopted in Minnesota and is consistent with the Midwest States E-Waste Policy Initiative already endorsed by the Governor’s Task Force on Waste Materials Recovery and Disposal.
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