New Bill Would End TV, Computer Ban At Landfills

North Carolina landfills could begin accepting computers and televisions again in legislation advancing at the General Assembly.

The ban's removal is contained in the annual "regulatory reform" bill run by Republicans and approved Thursday by a Senate committee.

The computer equipment and television prohibition began in 2011 in a law directing computer and TV manufacturers to create free consumer drop-off programs and carry out recycling and disposal plans. Lawmakers and environmentalists were worried about the sheer numbers of such equipment and the chemicals inside.

The GOP bill sponsors say these consumer goods are building up at charities, and lined landfills can collect any chemicals.

The state environmental department and recycling industry are worried ending the ban could hurt recycling businesses. Some lawmakers support different legislation or want to study the issue.