A global slowdown in the electronic waste recycling market is causing problems in some Vermont towns.
“E-waste is in a bit of a turmoil,” said Jim O’Gorman, who manages the Rutland County Solid Waste District. “It’s still being worked out with the state. The contractor is losing money. We’ve been going back and forth with (the Agency of Natural Resources), the district, and two contractors. It still hasn’t sugared out.”
Under current Vermont law, certain types of electronic devices are banned from disposal in a landfill. Some can be collected for free and sold to recyclers. These include computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals, and TV sets. Individual households, school districts, small businesses employing no more than 10 people, and charities are permitted to bring them in free of charge. There may a fee to dispose of other electronics.