By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

January 01, 2016 07:54:15 AM

PHILADELPHIA (Scrap Monster): According to reports, e-waste has started piling up following York County’s decision a couple of weeks before to cancel its electronics recycling program. Best Buy has reported illegal dumping of discarded electronics even at the business’s parking lot.

Meantime, the York County Solid Waste and Refuse Authority blamed rising costs and complications linked with 2010 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law, Act 108 for cancellation of the program. The authority had prohibited disposal of electronics devices such as televisions, desktops, laptops, computer monitors, keyboards, printers etc at Pennsylvania waste facilities. Instead, residents were asked to keep possession of all unwanted electronics until a new program is in place.

According to the Authority, Act 108 has created an imbalance of supply and demand which makes it economically prohibitive for electronics recycling vendors to operate in Pennsylvania. Under the law, electronics recycling facilities are required to maintain one of three recycling standards certification. In addition, all products have to be registered with the DEP. Also, recycling facilities are required to conduct recycling programs to customers free of cost.

Ellen O'Connor, community services division manager at York County Solid Waste Authority noted that the County’s main recycling vendor, ECOVanta, was no longer able to remain profitable after the state law caused the market to be flooded with e-waste. However, DEP claimed that the law was well-intended, but resulted in some unplanned results. It assured that the shortcomings in the act will be fixed with the help of legislature.

It must be noted that Chester, Cumberland, Delaware, Franklin, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties have also canceled their recycling programs during recent years.