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Unwanted electronics are one of the fastest growing waste streams in the United States. Electronics, often referred to as e-scrap, contain potentially hazardous materials such as lead and mercury that can pose risks to human health and the environment if not managed properly. Electronics also contain valuable materials such as precious metals, which can be recovered through responsible recycling. In addition to protecting the environment and saving resources, the recycling of electronic products also provides raw materials for recycling companies and creates employment opportunities.
The South Carolina Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recycling Act (the Act) was passed in 2010 to encourage recycling of computers, printers, televisions, and computer monitors, also known as “covered equipment” under the Act . The bill does this by banning the disposal of these devices in landfills and creating recycling obligations for electronics manufacturers.
The Legislature passed revisions to the law during the 2021-2022 legislative session. H. 4775 amends the bill as follows:
- Update the Act’s definitions to ensure they are more consistent with technological advances.
- Change the current 80% obligation on TV and computer monitor manufacturers to a convenience standard.
- Depending on population, counties that choose to participate will receive a minimum number of permanent collection sites or one-day events. The manufacturer will pay for the transportation and recycling of all materials collected from mutually agreed upon planned collection points.
- Cities with a population of more than 17,000 people can opt into the program if they choose not to participate in another county’s program.
- Television and computer monitor manufacturers will participate individually or as part of the Manufacturers Clearinghouse. The manufacturer’s clearinghouse recycling program will be approved by the department and must adhere to an allocation methodology that ensures larger manufacturers provide more coverage than smaller manufacturers.
- Push the sunset date to December 31, 2029, and create a mechanism to launch a stakeholder process in 2026 to review the bill and provide recommendations to the Legislature to ensure the bill remains current.
- Updated requirements for recyclers and collectors of covered electronic equipment to ensure human and environmental health are protected.
- Correction of errors, citations, and other changes reorganized as necessary.
Use the resources under Downloads and Links to learn how the requirements of H. 4775 affect you.
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