March 8, 2004

Environment Committee
Testimony in Favor of Raised Bill #5375, AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Senator Williams, Representative Widlitz and Members of the Environment Committee,

Thank you for this opportunity to voice support for Raised Bill 5375. I am C.J. May, Recycling Coordinator at Yale University. Today I offer written testimony on behalf of the Connecticut Recyclers Coalition, a non-profit organization of recyclers and solid waste professionals.

The Connecticut Recyclers Coalition supports Raised Bill 5375 as a vital step in addressing the growing public health and environmental threats caused by discarded electronics. Many of our members working on the municipal and regional levels have experienced great road blocks in their professional efforts to collect unwanted electronics in a manner that is safe and cost effective. Now designated as Universal Wastes, a Federal category indicating a material is hazardous but may be handled by non-specialized staff, electronics have become a tremendous environmental and financial burden to institutions, municipalities and the state as a whole.

Raised Bill 5375 establishes a mechanism to support the valiant efforts of those working to recycle our state’s electronics. It will help them reduce costs, comply with Universal Waste regulations and recover greater volumes of these dangerous products once they have reached the end of their useful lives.

Raised Bill 5375 is important as a first step to establishing a seamless electronics collection system for the state. We urge the Environment Committee to explore ways in which to ensure that other electronics, beyond the cathode ray tube items mentioned specifically in the bill, be included in future legislation.

The Connecticut Recyclers Coalition has a diverse membership of professionals engaged in recycling, solid waste and related activities. As a coalition of experienced managers we ask you pass Raised Bill 5375.

Thank you.

Cyril John May
President
Connecticut Recyclers Coalition