Arlington, Va. – The
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Information Technology Industry
Council (ITI) announced on Friday they have filed a legal challenge against a
new law in New York City mandating that manufacturers provide free, door-to-door
electronics collection to city residents.
The regulation is
scheduled to go into effect July 31.
“Estimates suggest
the requirements will cost manufacturers, including many small businesses, more
than $200 million annually, resulting in cost increases to consumers and job
losses,” the organizations said in a joint statement.
“Despite the
technology industry’s best efforts to negotiate with New York City officials on
a reasonable and effective recycling program, the city is proceeding with plans
to impose the most costly, burdensome and environmentally harmful electronics
recycling requirements in the world,” said Dean Garfield, president and CEO of
ITI, in the statement. “At this point, we have no option but to file suit to
avoid the disastrous environmental and economic consequences of this poorly
conceived regulation. There is a better way to achieve the common goal of an
effective recycling program.”
“Manufacturers
recognize that they have a key role in providing recycling opportunities for
consumers, and have recycled billions of pounds of electronics through voluntary
programs,” added Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “However, they do not
have the only role. The responsibilities and costs for electronics recycling
should be shared among all stakeholders, including city and state governments,
retailers, recyclers and consumers.”
