Electronic waste recycling program for NH?

Rep. Peter Bixby is sponsoring a 2017 bill that would create a statewide program to recycle electronic waste, available to the public at no cost.  Manufacturers that sell electronic devices in New Hampshire would pay a fee to fund the program.  

The full House will vote on the bill Wednesday, February 15.

Bill supporters argue that electronic waste – such as old TVs, phones, and computers – contains valuable materials that should be recycled, not discarded.  Improperly disposed electronic waste is also toxic to humans and the environment. 

Bill opponents argue the program would burden manufacturers and would cost the state too much to implement.  They also point out that many town transfer stations already take electronic waste from the public for a fee. 

The bill is based off a similar program operating in Vermont.  Many other states have electronic waste recycling programs.  However, some of those programs have been found to use contractors that simply dump toxic waste overseas. 

Do you support a statewide program for recycling electronic waste?  Share your opinion in the comments.