The Law
The "Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Equipment Collection and Recovery Act," found in the Missouri Revised Statutes, sections 260.1050 to 260.1101, RSMo, was passed by the Missouri legislature and signed into law in 2008. This act requires computer manufacturers to implement recovery plans for collecting and recycling or reusing specific computer equipment at no additional cost to households or home businesses. The law assigned many duties to computer equipment manufacturers, retailers and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Missouri legislature delegated the department authority to enforce the requirements of the law and put the law into effect by publishing a rule.
The Rule
The Electronics Scrap Management rule, which is located in the Code of State Regulations, 10 CSR 25-19.010, became effective April 30, 2010, and later revised Nov. 30, 2018. The rule clarifies the computer equipment manufacturers, retailers and department's responsibilities for collecting and recycling or reusing specific computer equipment used by an individual primarily for personal or home business use. Covered equipment includes the following items:
- Notebook or laptop computers
- Desktop computers
- Computer monitors or other display devices that do not contain a tuner
- Accompanying keyboard and mouse associated with the computer of the same manufacturing brand
Before manufacturers can sell their computer equipment in Missouri, they must have a department approved recovery plan that specifies how they will collect and recycle or reuse the unwanted equipment they manufactured at no cost to the consumer. If a computer equipment manufacturer does not have a department approved recovery plan, neither the computer equipment manufacturer nor any retailer is authorized to sell that computer equipment in Missouri. The Electronics Scrap Management rule contains the procedures for manufacturers to submit and implement their recovery plans. The department is responsible for making sure the computer manufacturers, retailers and recyclers manage the equipment according to state laws and regulations.
The computer equipment manufacturers listed on the Registered Computer Equipment Manufacturers List have a department approved recovery plan and can sell their computer equipment in Missouri.
How This Rule Applies to You
This rule applies to computer manufacturers, retailers and consumers and includes the covered computer equipment used by an individual for personal or home business use. This rule does not apply to computer equipment from businesses, including charities, non-profits, schools, churches and public and governmental agencies. For a list of equipment that is not covered by this rule, please refer to section 260.1059, RSMo. Click one of the links below for more information about how this rule applies to you.