Three state legislators have introduced measures to deal with one of Michigan's growing waste problems-the disposal of electronic products like computers and televisions that contain hazardous materials.

Sponsored by State Reps. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), Patricia Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) and Chris Kolb (D-Ann Arbor), House Bills 6129 and 6130 and House Resolution 456 would ban the landfilling and incineration of products containing cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and ask the Department of Environmental Quality to develop an electronics recycling strategy.

In 1998, an estimated 5 to 7 million tons of electronic waste was generated in the United States, and the amount is growing as more consumers upgrade computers and other electronic equipment. The National Safety Council estimates that accumulated obsolete PCs between 1997 and 2007 will total more than 500 million, containing 7.5 million tons of hazardous waste.

In a letter to the House Land Use and Environment Committee, which Rep. Johnson chairs, MEC Policy Director James Clift wrote that MEC supports a ban on the incineration and landfilling of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and the televisions and computer monitors that contain them.

"CRTs contain lead, and some contain cadium," Clift said. "The neurotoxic effects of lead are well-documented and have led to the banning of lead as a gasoline additive. Lead is also thought to cause damage to the central nervous system and kidney and may contribute to reproductive health problems. An estimated three to eight pounds of lead are contained in each computer monitor. Cadmium, also toxic, is found in some older CRTs. When incinerated or buried in landfills, CRTs can release both of these toxic substances, leading to environmental contamination and putting public health at risk. Michigan should act now to prevent these risks."

While community efforts around Michigan to promote electronic recycling and some industry initiatives are increasing, these fall well short of a statewide system. Such a system is essential to address a problem of both environmental and economic significance. By working with stakeholders, DEQ can fashion a strategy that will take into account their concerns and promote a balanced solution. Many materials in computers do have commercial value and can be recycled.

The demand for recycling or take-back services for these products is considerable. A recycling day for residents of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton County on May 4 attracted more than 800 citizens seeking to safely dispose of their computers. The public is clearly willing to recycle these materials-and even to wait in long lines to do so-but such service should be convenient and frequent.