by Laura Adelmann
Thisweek Newspapers

Local officials worry that the looming 2006 switch from analog to digital television signals will create an electronics disposal nightmare.

Ironically, the concern is compounded because of a recent law that prohibits putting TVs and computer monitors containing cathode ray tubes into the waste stream, which goes into effect July 2005.

State Rep. Ray Cox, R-Northfield, explains, ìConsumers canít put them in the waste stream, so where are they going to put them? Weíve actually compounded the problem. I think itís fine not to put them in the waste stream, but consumers are just going to look at you with a blank stare and say, ëWhat do I do with it?íî

Coxís bill, H.F. 882, attempts to solve the potential scenario of random computer dumping by calling for manufacturers to create and operate permanent electronics recycling programs.

Manufacturers would collect and separate glass and plastic for other uses, as well as pull harmful heavy metals such as mercury and lead out of the waste stream entirely.

Dakota County, as part of the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB), supports the proposal, and Cox said Barry Tilley, a lobbyist for both SWMCB and Dakota County, has been working with him to get the bill passed.

At least one manufacturer, Hewlett Packard, has also been supportive of the proposal.

ìWe had a major meeting again Ö and weíve just about got the bill revised such that I think Ö theyíll be on board with it,î Cox said. ìIf Hewlett Packardís on board, then Dell and Gateway should be also.î

Television manufacturers, however, have not supported the bill, he said, because they want an up-front fee added on to the cost of the product to cover end-use recycling.

However, Cox said that would lead to the state becoming involved in collecting used components, which he does not support.

ìI donít want to get into that,î he said.

Cox hopes the bill will receive a hearing in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, of which he is vice chair, sometime next week.

Laura Adelmann is at
dceditor@frontiernet.net.

Top of Page

Check out this week's newspaper for more about your community.

Thisweek Newspapers
12190 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
Telephone: 952-894-1111 Fax: 952-846-2010