A market research firm says most Americans would rather recycle their obsolete and end-of-life electronics than send them to a landfill, and don't think they should necessarily be charged for their disposal.  When it comes to the cost of e-recycling, survey respondents under-estimated costs asociated with e-waste recycling and disposal, estimating the cost per electronic item at $12.  Pike research said its analysis is closer to $20 per item.  Also, consumers weren't clear on who should absorb the costs of e-recycling.  The company said 14% felt that the cost of electronics recycling should be paid by consumers at the points of purchase, and 10% supported producer responsibility.  The average consumer has 2.9 pieces of unused, broken or obsolete electronics equipment in their home or storage area.

A good idea in principle is becoming imperiled by a lot of infighting.  New York City has new e-waste laws that require manufacturers to directly collect and recycle e-waste from every resident.  Industry representatives are suing to overturn the law, saying it will result in increased traffic congestion on the already crowded New York City streets, increase air and noise pollution and global warming-causing carbon dioxide emissions.  Environmental groups and public officials are upset over the lawsuit, saying the governments can't cover the costs of recycling and disposal of all electronic products.  There needs to be help from the producers.

Spokesmen for industry associations point to the need for a national e-waste law.  But in the absence of that solution, it would be best if industry, government and environmental officials can sit down again and work out changes to the law that would make it more suitable for everyone.  Manufacturers should have a role in e-waste management.  As should other stakeholders - retailers, government, environmental groups.  These groups would be best advised to work it out amoung themselves rather than in the courts.