Read the full post from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
One year after the state passed what is considered to be among the nation’s most progressive laws to help consumers recycle old electronics for free, a report assessing initial progress shows its success on the ground varies significantly depending on where you live. While upstate residents appear to be benefiting greatly, New York City trails far behind – with little to no improvement for city residents looking to responsibly unload their e-waste.
The report, prepared for NRDC by the Product Stewardship Institute, indicates that there has been a marked increase in e-waste collection sites in New York State. But while local governments have been able to dramatically increase the collection options – primarily new collection facilities and events – available to their citizens and customers in upstate communities, the same has not occurred in New York City. Collection options for city residents remain limited, and with so many reliant on public transportation to get around (and who don’t own cars) – recycling often-heavy electronics present additional challenges for residents.