SJ0046 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0046 LRB095 11807 CMK 34815 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Even though wireless telephones are small, the sheer number of the devices sold across the State of Illinois presents environmental challenges; and

WHEREAS, Wireless telephones consume energy and can be a disposal problem; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that there will be more than 1,000,000,000 wireless telephones sold worldwide next year; and

WHEREAS, Continued advances in technology permit the industry to introduce new models with increased function and regulations allow consumers to retain their cell phone numbers when switching service providers; and

WHEREAS, There is no other consumer electronic device that is often replaced every 18 months; and

WHEREAS, Wireless take-back and refurbishment and recycling programs are national, voluntary, self-funding, and have existed for many years; and

WHEREAS, Wireless industry guidelines are agnostic with respect to handset types, brands, or where the handsets and accessories are turned back; and

WHEREAS, The markets for used wireless phones are different from most of the electronics industry with one market for refurbished phones and one market for recycled materials; and

WHEREAS, The industry expects that design changes required for the sale or import of wireless telephones in the European Union will also be applied to products marketed and sold in the United States; and

WHEREAS, More than 70% of a wireless phone can be recycled; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that it is important for manufacturers of wireless telephones to design products with environmentally friendly materials to the extent practicable; and be it further

RESOLVED, That manufacturers of wireless telephones design these products to use less energy; and be it further

RESOLVED, That manufacturers and retailers of wireless telephones accept, at no charge, up to 10 used wireless telephones from any person during the normal business hours of such business; and be it further

RESOLVED, That manufacturers and retailers of wireless telephones work to foster responsible stewardship practices among customers, suppliers, stakeholders, and employees; and be it further

RESOLVED, That manufacturers of wireless telephones and retailers of wireless telephones arrange for the collection and shipping and the refurbishment or recycling of wireless telephones by partners committed to environmentally sound practices for recycling and reuse; and be it further

RESOLVED, That manufacturers and retailers of wireless telephones inform customers of ways in which they can help ensure the environmentally sound disposition of used wireless devices; and be it further

RESOLVED, That manufacturers and retailers of wireless phones make information regarding the take-back of used wireless devices publicly available in avenues appropriate for the business type, including store signs, website posting, or other media; and be it further

RESOLVED, That manufacturers and retailers of wireless telephones regularly re-evaluate the reuse and recycling plans so that they will continue to provide an easy system for collection, reuse, and recycling of wireless telephones.