Illinois Bans 17 Electronic Devices from Its Landfills

As of January 2012, it’s illegal in the US state of Illinois to dispose of any of 17 different kinds of electronic devices in landfills in that state.

Each of the banned devices – ranging from TVs and computers to DVD players, video game consoles and satellite receivers – must be taken to a registered recycler or electronics collection site for reuse or recycling.

The state legislature reportedly took the step based on the fact that consumer electronics good contain hazardous materials – such as cadmium and lead – which can seep into groundwater, thereby contaminating the water people use to drink and grow food.

The ban also covers such items as electronic keyboards, printers, FAX machines, portable digital music players and digital video disc recorders.

To learn more, read the SunTimes article.