E-waste bill moves forward

A bill that aims to solve the state’s e-waste problem by establishing a system to recycle old TVs and other unwanted electronics devices is on a fast track to the House floor.

HF854, sponsored by Rep. Brita Sailer (DFL-Park Rapids), would force consumer electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle an amount of devices proportional to the weight sold during the previous year. The House Finance Committee approved the bill and sent it to the House Taxes Committee.

Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal), House Finance Committee chairman, said the bill is being “fast-tracked,” with the goal of presenting it to Gov. Tim Pawlenty for signature before Earth Day, April 22.

The bill would force manufacturers to collect an amount of devices equal to 80 percent of the weight of products sold during the previous year — except for the first year, in which the requirement would be 60 percent. Devices collected outside the Twin Cities metro area would count for 1.5 times their actual weight.

In addition, manufacturers would have to pay a base fee of $2,500 per year ($5,000 in the first year), plus a variable fee ranging from 30 cents to 50 cents per pound of product for each pound they fall short of their target.

A companion bill, SF235, sponsored by Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.