LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 2009 as Electronic Waste Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body finds that the disposal of unwanted elec-
tronic equipment as solid waste poses a significant adverse impact on
the environment; and
WHEREAS, This unwanted electronic equipment has been exported to other
countries for disposal, where workers dismantling such equipment are
exposed to a broad array of toxic and hazardous materials and communi-
ties are polluted with these hazardous wastes; and
WHEREAS, Manufacturers bear a responsibility for the proper recycling,
reuse and re-manufacturing of the electronic equipment that they manu-
facture; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been in the forefront of advocating for
the recycling, reuse and re-manufacturing of unwanted electronic equip-
ment; and
WHEREAS, New York State participated in the project sponsored by the
Council of State Governments, Eastern Region Conference, to develop a
regional model for the proper management of unwanted electronic equip-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Numerous states have proposed legislation to require the
recycling, reuse and re-manufacturing of unwanted electronic equipment;
and
WHEREAS, Local and County governments have taken the initiative to
conduct voluntary electronic equipment collection programs to reduce the
burden on landfills and the adverse impacts on the environment; and
WHEREAS, Electronic equipment collection programs can utilize chari-
ties, processors and collection/transportation systems within the State,
thereby supporting local businesses; and
WHEREAS, The mandatory changeover of television transmission signals
from analog to digital will create an enormous amount of obsolete tele-
vision sets that will be available for proper collection and recovery
efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2009 as Elec-
tronic Waste Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.