July 12, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that Michigan has partnered with four other Midwest states to develop a regional policy for effectively managing electronic waste. A large number of computers, televisions, and other electronic products are currently being thrown away because of limited access to environmentally sound recycling options, and local communities have limited resources to address this problem. The Midwest Policy offers a consistent approach across the region to manage electronic waste, and better protect the environment.

The Midwest Policy closely mirrors model legislation being introduced in Northeast states in which electronics manufacturers will collect, transport, and recycle a specific amount of electronic products based on their sales within the state.

The Midwest Policy has the support of environmental agencies in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, with endorsement expected from Minnesota shortly.

Additional information on the policy is available on the Minnesota Product Stewardship Web site at, http://www.moea.state.mn.us/stewardship/electronicsmidwest.cfm.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised July 12, 2006 by Pat Watson