Gov. signs bill to reduce e-waste

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Jim Doyle has signed into law a bill designed to cut down on the amount of computers and other electronics dumped in landfills.

The bill he signed Friday requires manufacturers to arrange for recycling and disposal of consumer electronics including video displays, computers and printers.

Disposal of electronic equipment is a problem because computers, TVs and other devices contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury and PCBs. Eighteen states have passed laws dealing with so-called e-waste, including Minnesota and Illinois.

Under the bill Doyle signed, dumping e-waste in landfills would be banned.

The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support.