Product Stewardship

Product stewardship is a principle that directs all participants involved in the life cycle of a product to take shared responsibility for the impacts to human health and the natural environment that result from the production, use, and end-of-life management of the product. The greater the ability of a party to influence the life cycle impacts of a product, the greater the degree of that party’s responsibility. The stakeholders typically include manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and government officials.

Minnesota Electronics Recycling Law

What should I do with my old, dusty, analog TV sitting in the garage? And what should I do with my obsolete computer?

Hennepin County operates two permanent drop-off facilities where residents may dispose of their electronics, among other things. After the electronics are collected, they are transported to a recycler under contract with the State. A cooperative purchasing venture allows Hennepin County to use the State contract. The entire cost of the program is borne by the County.

During last year's session, the Minnesota legislature passed the Electronics Recycling Law, which attempts to codify product stewardship of household TVs & computer monitors (video display devices). To meet their obligations under the law, electronics manufacturers will be required to make arrangements for the collection, transportation, and recycling of an amount equal to 80% of the video display devices they sell.

The advent of the new statutes adds value to the collection, transportation, and recycling of video display devices. Now Hennepin County will expect to be offered at least free recycling in exchange for the collection and transportation of electronics.