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Electronics manufacturers are on track – but a little behind – in meeting a new state recycling quota.

The state’s new E-Cycle law, which went into effect last year, requires the manufacturers, such as Panasonic, Sanyo and Sony, to collect and recycle 29 million pounds of old electronics in the state by the end of June.

According to the state Department of Natural Resources, the manufacturers collected almost 14 million pounds between July and December 2010, meaning they’ll have to recycle about 15 million more in the first six months of 2011 to avoid fines.

The E-Cycle law took effect in January 2010 and set a goal of collecting 15 million pounds in the first six months of that year. Manufacturers only collected 10.4 million pounds, but the DNR opted against assessing fines.

To collect unwanted TVs, radio, computer monitors and stereos, prevent them from landfill disposal and comply with the E-Cycle law in Wisconsin and other states, electronics companies contract with local recyclers and collectors to pump up their poundage.

According to the DNR, 55 percent of the items collected last year were TVs, 18 percent were computer monitors, 9 percent were computers and the rest were other devices. The department also reports that fees for dropping off electronics are on the decline.

There are now almost 350 collection sites in 65 of the state’s 72 counties. All major manufacturers of electronics are registered with the state (so they can be held to individual recycling standards, which are based on sales in Wisconsin) but the DNR is still chasing down a few smaller ones.

Since September, it’s been illegal in the state to dispose of electronics in landfills, so City of Milwaukee trash trucks are no longer collecting them. The city and other local governments lobbied for the E-Cycle law, which they say is relieving taxpayers of the burden of properly disposing of electronics.

Circuit boards and other electronic components contain heavy metals that can pollute groundwater – but also precious metals, including gold and silver, that can be recycled.

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