New Jersey Bans Disposal of Electronic Waste

A new measure signed into law by Gov. Corzine on January 15th will prohibit the disposal of computers and other electronic products in New Jersey beginning on January 1, 2009. Even as he signed the measure into law, Gov. Corzine expressed concerns about the new law’s impact on manufacturers inside and outside New Jersey, and directed the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) to work closely with the Legislature in implementing its requirements to minimize the costs of compliance. The law targets a wide array of electronic products like television sets, computers, copiers and other information-age devices that contain hazardous constituents like lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, phosphorous coatings, and PVC plastics.

Kelley Drye has prepared a client advisory further describing the ramifications of this new law.