Five state legislatures — Minnesota, Connecticut, Oregon and Texas — took steps this year to curb the threat of toxic waste created by the proliferation of discarded computer gear and other digital junk, joining four others — California, Maine, Maryland and Washington — that pioneered electronic recycling programs from 2003 to 2006. Leading the pack, Minnesota enacted the nation’s strongest “e-cycling” law. It requires manufacturers of electronic goods to recycle 60% of the volume of their products sold in the state. Less stringent recycling laws passed and were signed into law in Connecticut, Oregon and Texas this year and North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) also is expected to approve an e-waste law passed by his state’s Legislature. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.