Electronic Waste Program
Effective July 1, 2009, the Indiana Legislature enacted the Indiana Electronic Waste Program (IC 13-20.5). The purpose of the program is to reduce the amount of electronic waste being sent to Indiana landfills and ensure that hazardous substances found in electronic waste are being managed in an appropriate and environmentally responsible manner.
The program holds manufacturers of video display devices (VDDs) (televisions, computer monitors, laptops, netbooks, notebooks, tablet computers, and e-readers) responsible for collecting and recycling covered electronic devices from households, small businesses, and public schools in Indiana equal to at least sixty percent (60%) by weight of the VDDs they manufacturer and sell to Indiana households. Manufacturers are able to work with any collectors and recyclers that are registered with Indiana’s e-waste program to meet their recycling goal.
Indiana’s Electronic Waste Program includes requirements for manufacturers and retailers of video display devices, as well as for e-waste collectors and recyclers. Indiana households, public schools, and small businesses also have a role in the program and are subject to the disposal prohibition. Please visit the “Participants” section below for the specific responsibilities of each of these stakeholder groups.
Why Recycle Electronics?
Electronics contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium that can be harmful if released into the environment. Recycling electronics ensures these materials are safely managed and that valuable materials such as steel, glass, and plastic, as well as precious metals such as copper, gold, tin, silicon, and aluminum are reclaimed for the manufacturing of new products. Reusing and recycling raw materials from e-waste conserves natural resources and avoids pollution.
Participants:
- Manufacturers
- Collectors
- Recyclers
- Retailers
- Households, Public Schools, or Small Businesses
Questions/Concerns
If you have questions regarding Indiana’s E-Waste Program, contact the Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance at (800) 988-7901.
