An effort at the Capitol to help consumers recycle used electronics.
State Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) wants to keep electronic devices from ending up in Wisconsin landfills. The Monona Democrat says over 24,000 tons of discarded televisions enter landfills each year, along with 10,000 tons of computer monitors and 3,000 tons of other computer equipment.
Miller is sponsoring a bill that would ban electronic video devices from landfills. It also requires manufacturers to help consumers recycle their products, based on how much they sell in Wisconsin. Miller says many of those products contain valuable metals and toxic substances that can harm the environment.
During a hearing at the Capitol Thursday, some computer companies raised concerns that the bill puts an unfair burden on them. Forbes McIntosh with Apple says the makers of other devices should be held responsible as well. He called for an amendment to the bill that also holds the makers of devices, such as printers, liable for recycling programs.
The bill is being considered by a Senate committee.