New York’s Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act was enacted in 2010 and is considered one of the strongest producer responsibility laws in the U.S. It requires manufacturers to provide free and convenient recycling of covered electronics to all consumers. A full disposal ban on electronics went into effect in 2015, making it illegal to place covered devices in the trash. The state enforces strict convenience standards and annual reporting requirements for manufacturers.
Program Name: New York Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act
Year Implemented: 2010 (disposal ban effective January 1, 2015)
Is Producer Responsibility Required? Yes
Covered Products:
Televisions
Computers (laptops and desktops)
Monitors
Printers, scanners, and fax machines
Keyboards, mice, hard drives, and other peripherals
Small servers and digital media players
Who Can Recycle:
Households
Small businesses (≤50 employees)
Schools
Nonprofits
Government entities
Landfill Ban? Yes – since 2015
Key Manufacturer Requirements:
Register with the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Provide free and convenient recycling to covered entities
Meet annual performance goals
Submit annual reports with detailed collection data
Label all products with the manufacturer’s brand
Program Website: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/electronic-waste-recycling
