Beginning in 2006, computer manufacturers are responsible for the handling and recycling of computer monitors that are received at consolidation facilities and must pay for the operational costs of the consolidation facility attributable to the handling of computer monitors. Beginning in 2012, television manufacturers are responsible for the handling and recycling of all televisions that are received at consolidation facilities and must pay for the operational costs of the consolidation facility attributable to the handling of televisions.

Beginning in 2006 and ending on December 31, 2011, the State is responsible for the cost of handling and recycling orphan waste computer monitors that are received at consolidation facilities and the State must pay for the operational costs of the consolidation facility attributable to the handling of orphan waste computer monitors, costs for transportation from the consolidation facility to a licensed recycling and dismantling facility and the cost of recycling.

The bill requires manufacturers of computer monitors and televisions to submit plans for the collection and recycling of computer monitors and televisions. It also establishes reporting requirements for manufacturers.

The bill sets a fee on the retail sale of televisions of $6 for each unit sold. Collection of the fee starts January 1, 2005 and ends January 1, 2012. The fee is deposited into the Maine Solid Waste Management Fund to reimburse:

1. Consolidation facilities for expenses incurred prior to January 1, 2012 for operational costs, costs of transportation from the facilities to recycling and dismantling facilities and the costs of recycling;

2. Municipalities for expenses incurred prior to January 1, 2012 related to transportation from a municipal collection site to a consolidation facility, if the cost exceeds the current cost of transportation and disposal of an equivalent tonnage of that municipality's municipal solid waste; and

3. The Department of Environmental Protection for expenses it incurs for enforcement.