Connecticut Department ofEnergy and Environmental Protection

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Connecticut Ewaste Update

March 27, 2017Tom Metzner, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Mass Recycle Conference

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Origins• First Ewaste Collection in Connecticut 1998• 1998-2004 - One day collections and some

municipalities collecting at transfer station• 2004 – 2007 growing interest at state and local

level for EPR for Ewaste• 2007 – passage of Ewaste EPR law in Connecticut • 2007-2011 – Regulation development, approval

of recyclers• 2011 program begins

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Connecticut’s EPR Law Highlights• Based on Maine’s law• Market share financing for televisions• Return share for other devices• Residential only• Monitors, TVs, Computers and Printers• Administration costs covered by

manufacturers

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Connecticut’s EPR Law Highlights• Municipalities must provide free convenient

and accessible collection to residents.• State approves recyclers including the price

they can charge• Approved recyclers bill manufacturers directly• Recyclers must meet tight standards including:– Downstream due diligence– Insurance – Export restrictions

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Connecticut’s EPR Law Highlights

• No Collection quotas for manufacturers which can leave municipalities picking up some costs for continuous service.

• Money flows between recycler and manufacturer – no state managing of funds.

• Option for manufacturer private programs

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Collection Results • 9300 tons all ewaste in 2015– 5.5 pounds per capita, 5 pounds of covered

devices• 155 of 169 towns with permanent collection

points (transfer stations)• 8.7 million kg carbon equivalent• $525,000 annual municipal savings (avoided

disposal costs)• 80 private sector jobs created – 68 in CT

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Components of a Successful EPR Law

• Convenient and accessible collection opportunities for residents

• Continuity – no collection quotas• Cost Internalization• Standards for recyclers – E2

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Questions?

Tom MetznerTom.metzner@ct.gov(860) 424-3242www.ct.gov/deep