Washington governor signs e-waste bill

Last week, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a bill that will require electronics manufacturers to pay for e-waste recycling in the state. Senate Bill 6428 will create the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority, which will be required to establish a statewide e-waste recycling program by Jan. 1, 2009. “This bill puts our market-based economy to work for the environment,” Gregoire said in a statement. “It’s a responsible step in the best interests of the public, because no matter who owns the equipment at the end of its life, it will be recycled — free of charge.”