On
December 29, 2008, Part 173, Electronics, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (Act 451), became
effective and established
a manufacturer electronic device takeback program promoting electronic waste recycling.
The manufacturer electronic device takeback program applies to computers and TVs
recycled by households and small businesses (those employing 10 employees or fewer).
It
requires all manufacturers selling new computers and televisions in
Michigan
to register with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and pay an annual registration fee of $3,000 by
October 30, 2009. After
April 1, 2010, all retailers, including Internet, catalog, manufacturer direct, and in-state retailers, can only sell new computers and televisions manufactured by registered manufacturers.
The manufacturer registration required under Part 173 must include specific details on the manufacturer's e-waste takeback program. The takeback program must be free and convenient for consumers. Manufacturers are required to establish and maintain a Web site and to otherwise inform consumers about how to recycle the covered equipment. Computer manufacturers are only required to take back devices they manufacture, whereas television manufacturers are required to take back all television brands, regardless of the manufacturer. Annually, manufacturers must submit information on the total weight of the covered electronic devices collected by the takeback program, the processes and methods used to recycle or reuse the covered electronic devices, and the identity of any collector or recycler with whom the manufacturer contracts for the collection and recycling of covered electronic devices received from consumers.
Recyclers of covered electronic equipment must also register with the DEQ by
October 30, 2009, and pay an annual fee of $2,000. Recyclers must certify that they are recycling in a manner that complies with federal and state laws, including rules promulgated by the DEQ, and local ordinances, and they must employ industry-accepted procedures for the destruction of data. Recyclers must maintain a documented environmental, health, and safety management system that may be audited and is compliant with or equivalent to ISO 14001. Recyclers must also annually report the total weight of covered electronic devices recycled during the previous year and maintain records identifying all persons to whom the recycler provided electronic devices or materials for further processing.
REGISTRATIONS:
Registered Recyclers
Registered Manufacturers
REGISTRATION FORMS:
Electronic Waste Recycler Registration Form
Electronic Manufacturer Registration Form
GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS:
Part 173, Electronics, Frequently Asked Questions
OTHER RESOURCES:
Electronic Reuse and Recycling
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