Electronics Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act or EERR (Environmental Conservation Law, Article 27, Title 26) - primary law that applies to electronics recycling; based on the concept of "extended producer responsibility", which places the onus on electronic product manufacturers to assist with management of used electronics once they reach the "end of life" stage. Almost all manufacturers who sell electronics in the state of New York are required to register with the state, pay a non-refundable registration fee and either implement their own e-waste acceptance program or participate in a collective group program. The exceptions are manufacturers who sell less than one thousand units annually in the state or whose primary business is refurbishment and resale of electronics equipment. They must provide free and convenient recycling options to most consumers, small businesses, non-profit organizations, schools and government entities in the state for all electronics equipment covered by the act. Collection opportunities offered to consumers and above-mentioned groups can include fixed acceptance locations such as retail stores, not for profit organizations or municipal facilities, mail or ship-back return programs, collection events, or any combination of these.
Wireless Telephone Recycling Act - (Environmental Conservation Law, Article 27, Title 23*2) requires cell phone suppliers to accept up to 10 cell phones from any person and arrange for recycling or provide for the free shipping of those phones to a recycling program. This pertains to companies that sell wireless phones online, in stores or at kiosks. Suppliers must take "reasonable steps" to ensure that phones accepted are either recycled or disposed of in an ecologically friendly manner and post conspicuous signs indicating that used phones are accepted by that supplier for recycling.
In addition to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation which is the state agency with primary oversight over e-waste management in New York State, many local governmental authorities from big cities to small towns and county jurisdictions, have websites with electronics recycling information for individuals and small businesses in their areas. Below is a sampling of such websites, representing a big city, small city, county and multi-county partnership. NY State residents can check town, city or county websites to find information applicable to their region.
This short documentary video produced by New York University (NYU), highlights the issue of electronic waste proliferation in New York City, which produced an estimated 400,000 tons of e-waste in 2023. Viewers get a glimpse of what happens at a recycling center including sorting weighing and dismantling of items. The video also discusses the role of volunteer groups in helping to provide more e-waste recycling opportunities for residents throughout NYC by sponsoring local events.
There are a number of non-governmental organizations and collaborations that sponsor websites that include resources pertaining to e-waste recycling in New York State. They include industry trade associations, environmental education groups, and partnerships between universities and professional recycling associations.