When it comes to federal recycling laws, many of the rules are broken down by state, and they also depend on specific items. For example, the laws around disposal requirements for batteries are different among the various states. However, there are some federal requirements. For instance, under Executive Order 13693, there have been requirements set up to help aid in the sustainability of the future.
There are many advantages of e-waste, so it is no wonder why there have federal and state laws put into place. According to Executive Order 13693, the document focuses on greenhouse gas emission reductions as well as setting up several sustainability goals. The Executive order states that federal agencies are also required to divert at least 50% of non-hazardous solid waste annually and pursue net-zero waste or additional diversion opportunities.
One of the most popular ways that this rule is being met is through recycling. As the popularity and use of recycling increased over the years, there were also rules and standards that needed to be made for recycling. These standards help to ensure that companies are running effectively, efficiently, safely and also that their procedures are not causing more harm to the environment.
When it comes to the state by state laws on recycling, they are varied. For example, when it comes to battery disposal, some states already have battery requirements in effect. Other states have made it so that the producers of the battery are required to offer or fun battery recycling and finally, some states have no current battery recycling requirements. In the state of California, consumers must follow the battery disposal requirement for batteries meeting specific chemistries including nickel cadmium, lithium ion, and others. All states fall in different areas when it comes to recycling laws. However, one of the best ways to meet standards is to recycle e-waste through a third party, a certified recycling company.