The Electronics Waste Program is an informational program maintained by the
Solid Waste Policy, Planning, and Grants Branch of the Mississippi Department
of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). One of the main goals of the program is to
educate the residents, businesses, organizations, local governments, and State
agencies on the proper management and disposal of end-of-life electronics.
Electronic waste (E-Waste) is one of the fastest growing segments of solid
waste generated in the United States - fueled, in part, by the speed at which
electronics become obsolete. However, the number of electronic devices entering
the waste stream is not as high as the rate at which electronic devices are being
purchased due to people collecting and stockpiling old electronics. Some of the
most common reasons people stockpile old electronics are personal data and lack of
local disposal options. Other goals of the E-Waste Program
are helping local governments design, implement, and maintain local
E-Cycling programs; assisting local and state government leaders in developing
environmentally friendly recycling and/or disposal options for end-of-life electronics;
and monitoring e-waste legislation across the United States.
An increasing number of states have passed legislation addressing the management
and recycling of electronics wastes. In the 2008-2009 session, the Mississippi
Legislature passed
SB 2796
requiring an advisory committee of various State agencies to review the issues,
regulations, and possible solutions to the management of end-of-life electronics
for State agencies and local governments.
The full text of this report may be found by clicking here.