CEA Calls for a Redoubling of Efforts to Develop a National Solution for Electronics Recycling.

Cites New NERIC Study as Proof Positive That Current State Patchwork is Not the Answer

AUSTIN, Texas -- Today the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA[R]) called for a redoubling of efforts to develop a national solution for electronics recycling, citing the results of a study released today by the National Electronics Recycling Information Clearinghouse (NERIC) at the E-Scrap 2006 conference in Austin, Texas.

"A Study of the State-by-State E-Waste Patchwork," which is available at www.ecyclingresource.org, identifies a projected $25 million in recurring annual costs or a total of $224 million that will be spent by consumers, state governments and industry in next eight years. Such costs could be avoided and spent on actual recycling under a national electronics recycling program.

Parker Brugge, CEA senior director and environmental counsel, issued the following statement regarding the report:

"This study clearly illustrates the need for a national solution to electronics recycling as an alternative to state-by-state mandates. The projected $224 million to be spent through 2012 should be used to recycle hundreds of millions of pounds of electronics, not squandered on state-level non-recycling costs such as: policing out-of-state electronics, engaging in dozens of state legislative and study initiatives, complying with multiple and divergent state requirements, and administering duplicative state programs. We look forward to working with Congress and other interested parties toward our goal of a national solution for e-cycling."

NERIC is a program administered by the National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) and jointly funded by the federal MARCEE (Mid Atlantic Recycling Center for End-of-life Electronics) project and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA[R]). More information on the NERIC initiative is available at [e-mail].

The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2005 and located in Davisville, West Virginia. The NCER is dedicated to the development and enhancement of a national infrastructure for the recycling of used electronics in the U.S. For more information on the NCER, visit http://www.electronicsrecycling.org/ncer.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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