New York City Mayor and Council Reach Compromise on E-Waste

Date: March 16, 2008

Source: News Room

The New York City Council reached a compromise with Mayor Michael Bloomberg whom had threatened to veto legislation requiring manufacturers to recycle certain electronics. Instead, the Council split the initial proposal in half thereby giving the Mayor the option to at least approve those elements more palatable to him. According to the Mayor, "We are separating the issue into two bills so we can move forward on the broad areas where we have reached consensus, instead of letting our differences stop all progress." The second bill, which is destined for the mayor's veto, has specific requirements, including benchmark percentages the manufacturers would have to meet and a fee structure. The standards would increase incrementally, eventually requiring a manufacture recycle 65 percent of its electronic merchandise, by weight, by 2018. Bloomberg regards the measure as unconstitutional in requiring a manufacturer recycle when it is a wholesaler that sells it to the public. He has said he would not enforce the measure.

To Learn More:
Intro 728: webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Int%200728-2008.htm
Intro 729: webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Int%200729-2008.htm

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