Bill > H756

This bill establishes a producer responsibility program for discarded electronic products, requiring manufacturers and importers of certain electronic devices, referred to as "producers," to manage the collection, reuse, and recycling of their products after they are no longer wanted. The program defines various types of electronic products, including "covered computer products" (like desktops, laptops, and monitors) and "covered television products" (televisions with screens of a certain size), and other "additionally covered electronic products" such as printers and scanners. Producers must register with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and are financially responsible for the costs associated with collecting, transporting, and recycling these discarded items, with their responsibility determined by their market share for televisions and their "return share" (based on the weight of their products collected) for other electronics. The bill also outlines requirements for "collectors" (entities that gather discarded electronics) and "processors" (entities that sort, reuse, or recycle them), all of whom must be registered with the DEP. The DEP will oversee the program, establish fees, conduct audits, and report on its effectiveness, with the act taking effect on January 1, 2016.