Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is advising his constituents about the new way consumers are required to dispose of electronic equipment. Starting January 1, 2015, the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act will require that consumers dispose of electronic equipment by either returning it to either the manufacturer or a designated New York State Waste Collection Site.

“There is now a new way that consumers are required to dispose of their electronic equipment. I want to make sure that my constituents are aware of this change to the law so they are in compliance,” said Hawley. “The new way electronics must be disposed of is simple and easy to understand and costs the consumer nothing. If you have any questions, feel free to contact my office and we will be happy to help.”

Under this law, there are two ways to dispose of your electronics. The first way is to use the newly-required product manufacturer’s take-back program. A listing of manufacturers and how to contact them about the take-back program can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/82084.html. The second way you can drop off your electronics is at a designated New York State Waste Collection Site. A list of collection sites can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/ewcolsites.pdf. Call ahead to make sure the specific collection site is able to take back your specific piece of electronic equipment.

For more information about the new take-back program, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/66872.html. This includes a listing of electronic equipment that is covered by the program. If you have any questions or encounter any problems, call the DEC at 518-402-8706.