Governor Corzine Takes Action on "Electronic Waste Recycling Act"

By Governors Press... - January 15, 2008 - 12:13pm
Release Date: January 15, 2008

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine signed the following bill into law on Sunday, January 13, with related statements:

ACS for A-3572/SCS for SCS for SS for S-554 w/Statement (Gusciora, Barnes, McKeon, Chivukula, Gordon/B.Smith) - "Electronic Waste Recycling Act."

"Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 3572, which I signed today, establishes a new program for the disposal of electronic devices, including televisions, computers, and related components and subcomponents in New Jersey.

"I commend the sponsors of this bill for putting forward legislation that is designed to address a significant and growing problem, both in New Jersey and nationally. The type of waste generated by televisions and computers, while relatively small in volume, accounts for a significant percentage of this nation's toxic waste. The electronic waste stream that will be required to be recycled under this bill can contain significant and dangerous levels of a wide variety of materials, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and PCBs.

"In signing this bill, I am cognizant of its impact on a variety of manufacturers, both situated in New Jersey and located elsewhere. It is my understanding and expectation that technical concerns with this legislation, which I would have addressed through a conditional veto had that option been available, will be addressed in the coming session. Notwithstanding these concerns, I know the sponsors share with me a desire not only to move forward on this difficult issue but also to ensure fairness and equity in the application and administration of this important environmental initiative. In this connection, I have asked the Department of Environmental Protection to work with this bill's sponsors in order to further craft and refine this measure."