130A-309.130. Findings.
The General Assembly makes the following findings:
(1) The computer equipment and television waste stream is growing rapidly in volume and complexity and can introduce toxic materials into solid waste landfills.
(2) It is in the best interest of the citizens of this State to have convenient, simple, and free access to recycling services for discarded computer equipment and televisions.
(3) Collection programs operated by manufacturers and local government and nonprofit agencies are an efficient way to divert discarded computer equipment and televisions from disposal and to provide recycling services to all citizens of this State.
(4) The development of local and nonprofit collection programs is hindered by the high costs of recycling and transporting discarded computer equipment and televisions.
(5) No comprehensive system currently exists, provided either by electronics manufacturers, retailers, or others, to adequately serve all citizens of the State and to divert large quantities of discarded computer equipment and televisions from disposal.
(6) Manufacturer responsibility is an effective way to ensure that manufacturers of computer equipment and televisions take part in a solution to the electronic waste problem.
(7) The recycling of certain discarded computer equipment and televisions recovers valuable materials for reuse and will create jobs and expand the tax base of the State.
(8) While some computers and computer monitors can be refurbished and reused and other consumer electronics products contain valuable materials, some older and bulkier consumer electronic products, including some televisions, may not contain any valuable products but should nevertheless be recycled to prevent the release of toxic substances to the environment.
(9) For the products covered by this Part, differences in product life expectancy, market economics, residual value, and product portability necessitate different approaches to recycling.
(10) In order to ensure that end-of-life computer equipment and televisions are responsibly recycled, to promote conservation, and to protect public health and the environment, a comprehensive and convenient system for recycling and reuse of certain electronic equipment should be established on the basis of shared responsibility among manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and the State.