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Saturday, February 03, 2007

Legislative Update: E-Waste Recycling with HB 258



Electronic Waste Problem this Friday on the Helena walking mall! Photo from camera phone by Kyle Perkins that morning.

HB 258 was heard on Monday, January 22, before the House Taxation Committee. Executive action will be sometime early this week.

Click here for our most recent fact sheet.



Following is a recent letter to the editor:

(Published in The Queen City News Link: http://www.queencitynews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=6563)

To the Editor

Computers can be frustrating sometimes. Advances in technology make computers obsolete faster and faster. This results in the current situation where three-quarters of all computer equipment ever manufactured is sitting in basements, garages and storage units throughout the country.

Electronics also present a disposal problem due to the number of hazardous materials they contain. The average computer monitor contains 4 to 8 pounds of lead, while the circuitry inside is comprised of hundreds of chemicals and heavy metals. To ensure proper disposal and reuse of these materials is costly. To get rid of a computer, monitor, and printer in a responsible manner, a person can expect to pay $30-$50. People are not eager to pay to get rid of their electronics–especially since a landfill offers free, but irresponsible, disposal.

In order to encourage people to recycle their electronics, ensuring that materials are properly handled and reused whenever possible, the S.A.V.E. Foundation is supporting House Bill 258 to create a state tax credit for electronic recycling. For example, if you or your business spent $30 on electronic recycling, you would receive a $30 tax credit for that year. HB 258 is an excellent way to encourage citizens to make a responsible choice with their old electronics.

For more information on HB 258 and how to contact your legislator, visit www.Savemobile.org or call 431-0815.

Tyler Evilsizer
The S.A.V.E Foundation
P.O. Box 1481
Helena