South Carolina’s E-Waste Bill

In keeping with our month’s focus, we’re looking at recent electronics waste bills. Today? South Carolina.

Signed last spring by Governor Sanford, South Carolina’s (deep breath) Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recovery Act (and exhale) is set to go into effect this July.

Let’s take a quick peak at what was happening in the state before the bill. Over 53,000 tons of electronic waste were generated in the state in 2009. And of that, only 3.3% was recycled. Clearly, this act has been a long time coming.

So, what does this new bill mean? As with Pennsylvania, it places much of the responsibility onto the shoulders of the manufacturer, requiring the manufacturers (of television and computers and parts) to provide an e-waste collection and recovery plan which is convenient for the consumer. They’ve also got to educate the consumer about that program.

And as of July of this year, there will be a full disposal ban on covered electronic devices.

So, the responsibility of the manufacturer is to educate and care for their old electronics. The responsibility of the consumer is to follow the instructions from their manufacturer.

Fair? How do you feel this compares to your state’s (or another states) regulation? We want your opinion!