§ 25-34-102 — Findings and purpose

(a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) Computer and electronic solid waste is among the fastest growing and most toxic segments of Arkansas' solid waste stream; (2) (A) The state must frequently upgrade and replace computers, telecommunications devices, and other technologically sophisticated equipment necessary to the efficient operation of state government. (B) (i) The necessary purchase of up-to-date computers, telecommunications devices, and other technological equipment for state government use often results in a surplus of existing equipment that, while unfit for state government purposes, is still useful and marketable for less complex and less high-speed dependent use. (ii) Surplus equipment is generally stored by the owner agency until the equipment is cleared of all government software and files. (iii) By the time surplus computer equipment is delivered to the Marketing and Redistribution Section of the Office of State Procurement of the Department of Finance and Administration, it is generally technologically obsolete and has lost considerable value, resulting in a significant waste of potential revenue to the State of Arkansas; (3) Computers and electronic equipment not sold by the Marketing and Redistribution Section may be disposed of in state landfill space until January 1, 2008; and (4) There are disposal and recycling options other than landfill disposal to address this problem, including: (A) Parts harvesting; (B) Reuse; (C) Resale; (D) Donation; and (E) Demanufacturing. (b) This chapter is intended to: (1) Achieve the maximum possible benefit from use of state agency-owned computers, electronics, and peripherals; (2) Achieve maximum benefit from sale of surplus state agency assets; and (3) Protect the public health, safety, and the environment by mandating that steps be taken to address the solid waste management of computers and other electronic solid waste statewide.

Legislative History

Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 2; 2005, No. 970, § 1.