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In-Depth Description

Toxic trash, including old computers, cell phones, mercury thermostats, vinyl siding and old paint and pesticides, are an especially problematic part of the waste stream because they contain a large amount of hazardous materials, which can be released into the air when burned in incinerators and leach into soil and drinking water when buried in landfills. In particular electronic waste (e-waste) contains a wide variety of persistent toxic compounds, including antimony, lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. Collecting these products for safe disposal and recycling prevents the potential release of these pollutants and recaptures valuable commodities for reuse in manufacturing new products.

NRCM worked to pass Maine’s first-in-the-nation, landmark e-waste law which created a shared responsibility system with manufacturers, municipalities, solid waste contractors and Maine citizens all participating in the solution. Since then, Maine’s e-waste law has become a model for the nation, and several states and major US cities have adopted or are adopting legislation based on our system.

We also helped pass an innovative cell phone recycling law, which makes it easy for Maine citizens to do the right thing and dispose of their old cell phone safely. After the law goes into effect in January 2008, all cell-phone retailers in Maine will accept used cell phones for recycling for free at all locations around the state.

We will continue to work on pertinent solid waste issues and develop innovative solutions to reduce, recycle, reuse and safely dispose of toxic trash.