NEW YORK - The New York League of Conservation Voters, the nonpartisan voice for New York's environmental community, today applauded the New York City Council for passing legislation that will reduce one of the fastest-growing and most hazardous components of the Big Apple's waste stream: consumer electronics.

Intro 104, known as the "Electronic Equipment Collection, Recycling and Reuse Act," creates a comprehensive electronics collection system that will divert highly toxic materials away from landfills. The bill requires manufacturers of computers, keyboards, monitors, printers, mouses, televisions and MP3 players to accept these items for recycling and reuse. The legislation also sets minimum recycling targets: manufacturers must collect at least 25 percent of their annual sales volume by 2012, 45 percent by 2015 and 65 percent by 2018.

"Electronics waste is a serious challenge confronting New York City," said Marcia Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "Right now, less than 10 percent of our e-waste gets recycled and the rest - containing vast quantities of highly toxic lead, mercury and cadmium - contaminates our environment. We salute the City Council for passing this important and balanced legislation, and we look forward to Mayor Bloomberg signing it into law. We will also continue to work with our state legislators, to encourage them to follow New York City's lead by creating a statewide e-waste recycling program."

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