E-waste presents a serious challenge for Minnesota, contributing to groundwater contamination. When e-waste enters landfills, heavy metals leach into the groundwater. E-waste accounts for 70% of lead pollution in landfills today.
E-waste increases battery fires when lithium-ion batteries in e-waste cause landfill fires that release massive pollution. A Rice County landfill fire in Minnesota in 2023 polluted the air for thousands. Currently, only 20% of e-waste is collected for recycling, leaving valuable resources wasted.
This legislation would require manufacturers to fully fund the collection of all electronic waste, ensuring it’s recycled responsibly. E-waste is recyclable, and the high-demand metals recovered—like copper, gold, and palladium—can be used in clean energy technologies. Currently, we are losing $2 Billion worth of precious metals into our landfills and incinerators. Send a message supporting this legislation today!
