Wayne County recycling companies convicted for mishandling electronic waste
Two local recycling companies have been convicted for their roles in the illegal processing and disposing of electronic waste in Wayne County.
The NYS Attorney General’s Office announced the judgements against ALPCO Recycling and Finger Lakes Cleanup. Both pleaded guilty to improper handling of 800 tons of electronic waste from May to July 2016.
“When hazardous waste is not managed properly, it puts families and communities at risk, and endangers the environment,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “By disregarding public safety laws and common sense, these companies put residents in harm’s way and stuck local communities with the mess they left behind.”
Each company has been fined $5,000 and sentenced to a conditional discharge, which allows offenders to avoid prison time and criminal conviction.
“Dumping e-waste is illegal and has the potential to damage our natural resources and impact the health of New Yorkers long after the dumping occurs,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC’s thorough investigation and the joint enforcement action with Attorney General James and the U.S. EPA resulted in these convictions of two recycling companies and sends a strong message that New York state is not a dumping ground for illegal waste disposal and violators will be brought to justice.”
