Summary of CERA
The Consumer Electronics Recycling Act (CERA) is an Illinois state law that establishes a statewide system for recycling and reusing unwanted electronic devices from residents. Enacted on August 25, 2017, and effective January 1, 2019, CERA requires electronics manufacturers to participate in managing these devices, ensuring proper disposal and recycling.
Under CERA, it is illegal in Illinois to dispose of specific electronic devices in the trash. The law covers 17 types of electronic devices, including computers, televisions, printers, and video game consoles. The program focuses on providing convenient access to recycling by establishing a minimum number of collection locations in each participating county, allowing residents to responsibly dispose of their electronics.
CERA also addresses the environmental and health risks associated with obsolete consumer electronic products by setting procedures for recycling and processing these devices. The Act emphasizes the shared responsibility of manufacturers in managing electronic waste and aims to reduce the burden on local governments by implementing manufacturer-run recycling programs approved and overseen by the state.
