Pennsylvania Electronics Recycling Rules in Effect

Hello Readers,

If you are a resident or business owner in Pennsylvania, you should take note that it now illegal to simply throw away most electronics! According to the PA DEP website:

Beginning Jan. 24, 2013, desktop computers, laptop computers, computer monitors, computer peripherals, televisions, and any components of such devices may no longer be disposed in Pennsylvania with municipal waste. ... All of these devices are required to be properly recycled. - Electronics Recycling Management Program Website

These new rules are courtesy of the 2010 Covered Devices Recycling Act, which was passed in order to divert the hazardous chemicals inside electronic devices away from municipal landfills. Along with these new requirements, the PA DEP website provides information for businesses and consumers about where to drop-off old electronics (see Electronic Collections Program webpage), which include some municipal locations but also some non-profit and commercial locations (such as some YMCA, Goodwill, and Best Buy stores).

For this, I would like to say thank you, PA!

Cheers,
Sean