On Labor Day, the State of Texas enacted a law that requires any company selling a computer to offer a free consumer recycling program. This is an awesome move because now there is no excuse to see a computer in a Texas landfill. Consumers will always have an option, and companies will have to shoulder some responsibility for their product’s lifecycles. Several other states are doing the same and instituting requirements to provide free recycling options to consumers.

Recycling, as well as seeing that an electronic device has a nice long life is a surefire way to reduce waste, but people have to have a reason to do so. Companies are starting to recognize that reducing waste can be profitable. TechForward recently partnered with TigerDirect and CompUSA to offer their Guaranteed Buyback program, making it profitable for both them and the consumer to recycle or resell used gadgets. And Texas’ law takes a burden off tax payers because they won’t have to use tax dollars towards sorting an extensive amount of e-waste.

A little sad, but completely true, making it about money helps create needed change. And smacking down a new law certainly helps too.

Comments (4)

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written by Grady , September 08, 2008

I interned at TCEQ this past summer and have a few things to add to this article.

First, it is going to be a very difficult law to enforce. Secondly, the law was "pushed along" by dell (who has a manufacturing plant in austin) and is seen by some as a way to "muscle out" the smaller computer building companies.

Just thought I'd throw those ideas out there.

Another option...
written by JV , September 08, 2008

... is to sell your unused electronics gadgets, such as computers, laptops, MP3 players or cell phones through web sites like Craigslist or http://www.BuyMyGadgets.com. Be green while making some green!

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written by JV , September 08, 2008

... is to sell your unused electronics gadgets, such as computers, laptops, MP3 players or cell phones through web sites like Craigslist or http://www.BuyMyGadgets.com. Be green while making some green!

...
written by Vera Pappas , October 15, 2008

This law may be hard to regulate, but there are many people who have old electronics piled in a corner of their basement because they don't know what to do with them. This is a great option for them. The trash pick up people can also take initiative to leave electronics at the curb.

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