Senator Gallivan Urges Local Municipalities to Apply for Electronic Recycling Grants

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) is encouraging local municipalities to apply for grants from the Environmental Protection Fund to assist with unexpected costs associated with the collection and recycling of electronic waste.  New York residents are required to recycle unwanted electronic items, such as televisions, computers, printers and other small electronic equipment, in an environmentally responsible manner.

“Keeping potential hazardous electronic waste out of our landfills is important, but collecting and recycling the material is a challenge for many communities,” Gallivan said.  “These funds will help reduce the burden on local governments and property taxpayers.”

As of January 1, 2015, all New York consumers must recycle electronic waste.  The law has kept millions of pounds of electronic waste from landfills, but the amount of waste generated continues to grow, adding to the complexities of the collection process.

“My office sponsors free electronic recycling events several times a year and the response has been tremendous,” Gallivan said.  “These funds will help implement better collection and recycling systems locally and across the state.” 

The $3-million grant program is being administered through the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Household Hazardous Waste Assistance Program.  Municipalities are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50 percent of eligible expenses for collection and recycling of e-waste.  The DEC will accept applications from October 3 to October 31, 2016.