Two New York recycling companies have been convicted for taking part in illegal dumping and disposing of electronic waste.
The judgment against ALPCO Recycling and Finger Lakes Cleanup was handed down by the NYS Attorney General’s Office recently. Both companies pled guilty to the improper handling of 800 tons of electronic waste during the months of May to July in 2016.
“When hazardous waste is not managed properly, it puts families and communities at risk, and endangers the environment,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “By disregarding public safety laws and common sense, these companies put residents in harm’s way and stuck local communities with the mess they left behind."
The companies were fined $5,000 each and received a conditional discharge sentence, which allows offenders to dodge prison time and criminal conviction.
“Dumping e-waste is illegal and has the potential to damage our natural resources and impact the health of New Yorkers long after the dumping occurs,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC’s thorough investigation and the joint enforcement action with Attorney General James and the U.S. EPA resulted in these convictions of two recycling companies and sends a strong message that New York state is not a dumping ground for illegal waste disposal and violators will be brought to justice.”