Chapter 343
H.P. 1200 - L.D. 1717
An Act To Promote Recycling of Cellular Telephones
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §2143 is enacted to read:
1. Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Cellular telephone" means a mobile wireless telephone device that is designed to send or receive transmissions through a cellular radiotelephone service as defined in 47 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 22.99 (2005). "Cellular telephone" does not include a wireless telephone device that is integrated into the electrical architecture of a motor vehicle.
B. "Cellular telephone service provider" means a provider of wireless voice or data retail service.
C. "Retailer" means a person, firm or corporation that sells or offers to sell a cellular telephone to a consumer at retail.
2. Collection system.
Effective January 1, 2008, a retailer shall accept, at no charge, used cellular telephones from any person. A retailer required to accept used cellular telephones under this subsection shall post, in a prominent location open to public view, a notice printed in boldface type and containing the following language: "We accept used cellular telephones at no charge."
3. Disposal ban.
Effective January 1, 2008, a person may not dispose of a cellular telephone in solid waste for disposal in a solid waste disposal facility.
4. Reports.
By January 1, 2009, and every year thereafter until January 1, 2013, a cellular telephone service provider shall report to the department the number of cellular telephones collected pursuant to this section and how the collected cellular telephones were disposed of, reused or recycled. By February 1, 2009 and every year thereafter until February 1, 2013, the department shall report on the collection system to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters.
Effective September 20, 2007