Utah
Utah’s
electronic waste recycling bill was the 25th electronics recycling
bill signed into law in 2011. Utah’s
legislation is different from other state laws in that it does not mandate
recycling, nor does it require manufacturers to fund recycling programs in the
state.
The law requires manufacturers of
computers (desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.), computer peripherals (keyboards,
printers), televisions (CRTs, flat screens), and television peripherals (DVD
players, VCRs, satellite receivers, etc.), which offer their devices for sale
in Utah to:
- Establish and implement a public education
program designed to educate consumers on how to recycle those devices;
- Describe locations (including mail-back options)
where a consumer can recycle those devices; and
- Submit an annual report by August 1 of each year
to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
The law does not require manufacturers
to:
- Submit registration fees, or
- Fund electronic waste recycling programs in the
state.
Although the
law does not mandate recycling in Utah, nor does it create a landfill ban on
electronic waste, it does encourage manufacturers to create partnerships with
local government agencies (and non-profits) to facilitate electronic waste
recycling.
Since the
law passed, there has been significant manufacturer-funded electronic recycling
occurring in Utah, from both manufacturers directly and through their representative
associations and retail groups. These manufacturers
and their representative have created partnerships with local agencies and
non-profits to facilitate recycling in several areas of the state. However, there are many areas which do not
have convenient and accessible electronic waste recycling options.
The DEQ
encourages manufacturers to continue current participation and to promote new
recycling programs across the state.
Link to Electronic Waste recycling in Utah
Link to Electronic Waste Statute