Israel's new electronic waste recycling law comes into effect

JERUSALEM (Scrap Monster): The new appliance recycling law has come into effect in Israel. The new law is aimed at reducing the amount of e-Waste that goes to Israeli landfills. It also provides the citizens with more chances to dispose potable batteries in addition to other electronic gadgets.

As per the new law, the electronics stores are required to accept old equipment without additional payment when a consumer buys a new device of the same kind.  The law will require electronics device manufacturers and importers of goods to recycle 50% of the total weight of electronic devices they sell annually by 2019.The target set for battery producers and importers is 30% - 35%.

The designated companies who will be responsible for collection and recycling of electronic waste must initially obtain a license from the Israeli Environment Protection Ministry. The Israeli electronic recycling corporation and Ecommunity are believed to have already obtained necessary licenses.

The lawmakers urged all the electronic store owners to abide by the new law. The Environmental Protection Ministry has taken necessary steps to create greater awareness among retailers in order to ensure that the law is strictly followed. In addition, the members of the public also will be educated on their recycling obligations and opportunities.

According to estimates, Israel generates nearly 130,000 tons of electronic waste per year.