Electronics such as televisions, computers and peripherals can no longer be thrown away in solid waste management facilities in New York State.

The new law took effect Jan. 1, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

DEC officials say proper recycling of unwanted electronic equipment diverts thousands of pounds of waste from landfills and incinerators; keeps toxins such as lead, mercury and cadmium from potentially contaminating the air, water and soil and conserves natural resources when valuable materials are reclaimed and reused, rather than using virgin materials.

The DEC has been overseeing implementation of the law which shifts end-of-life costs of managing electronic waste from municipalities to product manufacturers and strongly encourages consumers to make use of the numerous free and convenient recycling opportunities available to them as part of this new law. Private and public waste haulers/transporters, in accordance with the state Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, are prohibited from collecting electronic waste, unless it is destined for recycling/reuse.

The law also requires private and public waste haulers/transporters using waste management facilities in the state, as well as the owners or operators of such facilities, to provide their customers with written information regarding available options for recycling unwanted electronic equipment.

In addition, owners and operators of solid or hazardous waste management facilities must post signs in conspicuous locations at the facilities stating the new law.

As part of this newly enacted product stewardship law, waste management facilities and waste haulers/transporters have a vital role in educating their customers on the opportunities available for recycling electronic waste.

To learn how and where to recycle electronic waste and for a full list of the types of electronic equipment that must be recycled under the law, visit DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/66872.html.