State of Illinois to recycle end of
life electronics
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed an Executive
Order directing state government to recycle electronic equipment
when it reaches the end of its usable life.
The Executive Order will require all state agencies,
boards, and commissions under the Governor’s control to recycle
or dispose of obsolete electronic equipment in an environmentally
responsible manner.
The Order came as a result of extensive research
and recommendations from the Computer Equipment Disposal and Recycling
Commission that was established as a result of legislation the Governor
signed into law in August 2005. The Commission submitted a comprehensive
report to Governor Blagojevich and members of the General Assembly
in May 2006 that identified concerns related to the disposal and
recycling of computer equipment, as well as legislative and regulatory
solutions for consideration.
Of the 57,000 employees that work in agencies,
boards or commissions under the Governor, approximately 55,000 people
regularly use a PC or laptop for their day-to-day work. This order
will require responsible disposal as state agencies find it necessary
to upgrade and replace equipment every three to five years. The
order will also impact disposal of thousands of fax and photocopy
machines, cellular phones and PDAs that are upgraded or replaced
each year.
In Illinois government, the Department of Central
Management Services (CMS) receives surplus electronic and other
equipment from state agencies. The electronics will now be transferred
to an external vendor that will ensure proper refurbishment, resale
or disposal. Equipment that can be refurbished will be redistributed
into Illinois government, or made available to schools or local
government entities.
Premier Computer Service, Inc. in Moline, Illinois, along with its
business partner, Belmont Technology Remarketing in Elk Grove Village,
Illinois was recently awarded the contract that will ensure proper
end-of-life disposal of state equipment. |
