HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2004 (39) RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COMPUTER TAKEBAC K
LEGISLATION
RESOLUTION NO. C Cdca -L
St Croix County, Wisconsin
WHEREAS, discarded computers and other consumer electronics contain lead, cadmium, mercury,
hexavalent chromium, polyvinyl chloride, brominated flame retardant and other toxic materials that pose
hazards to human health and the environment when landfilled or incinerated; and
WHEREAS, discarded computers and consumer electronics comprise one of the fastest growing waste
streams in the United States, with an estimated 350 million obsolete computers nationally; and
WHEREAS, the total extent of the problem of discarded computers and consumer electronics in
Wisconsin is largely unknown, though recent estimates report as many as half a million obsolete
computers and televisions ended up in Wisconsin landfills in 2002 alone; and
WHEREAS, the costs incurred by Wisconsin counties, cities, towns and villages for disposal of computer
and consumer electronics that contain toxics and are not easily recyclable, are in effect unfunded
mandates imposed by the producers of such products on local taxpayers, which takes funds away from
other needed local government programs, such as schools, fire protection, emergency services, and
police; and
WHEREAS, the States of California, Minnesota and Maine, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
because of the toxicity of this waste, have recently prohibited the disposal of discarded cathode ray tubes
(CRT's), such as those found in televisions and computer monitors, in municipal landfills or incinerators.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St Croix County Board of Supervisors calls on its
State Assemblypersons and State Senators to develop and support legislation requiring computer and
consumer electronics brand owners and manufacturers to take financial responsibility for discarded
products, phase out the use of hazardous materials in their products, and support environmentally
superior practices for recycling these products; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the St Croix County Clerk send copies of this resolution to the St.
Croix County legislative delegation, the Wisconsin State Legislature, Governor James Doyle, each
county in the State of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Counties Association.
Dated this c.? $' day of Ce- e'bea' , 2004.
Offered by: Planning and Zoning Committee on ! 6 & $ - d 44
NEGATIVE AFFIRMATIVE
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Reviewed by Corporation Counsel • C. 1 • Date / (7 _ / - n L f