Hello Readers,

Last Wednesday, April 29, Governor Gregoire signed Second Substitute House Bill 1522 into law.  This bill will help those companies that are in the business of recycling computers for reuse.

The original E-waste law took effect January 1 of this year.  One problem with the law was that it cut out those companies that primarily recycle computers for reuse, rather than for parts and materials.  This affected companies like Interconnect, RE-PC and 3R Technology.  These companies refurbish existing computers and sell them, often to developing nations to help build technology skills for people who lack the resources to buy new computers.

The state Department of Ecology and others had been concerned about toxic materials from computers, monitors and televisions showing up in unsafe conditions outside the state's broders.  The bill ensures that computer refurbishers can participate in the state's E-waste program under certain parameters.

Thanks goes to State Representative Zack Hudgins for sponsoring this bill.  If you want to know more about it, check it out at the legislature's website:  http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1522

There you can see the bill's history, read the bill or the final bill report (usually the last document listed is the most recent) and see how legislators voted.