Consumers would pay a $10 "advance recycling fee" when they buy televisions and computers, under legislation supported by Gov.
The money raised would finance the collection and recycling of the computers and TVs.
It's needed, backers said, in the wake of a bill Pawlenty signed into law in 2003 that banned consumer electronics containing lead and other toxic metals from Minnesota landfills and incinerators.
The proposal is based on a California plan supported by technology manufacturers, and it leaves the fee collection duties to retailers instead of creating a new state agency.
The surcharge is projected to raise $15 million a year.
The state official who's guiding the plan said it's "not a slam-dunk proposal or a done deal," but said analysis has shown it's both easy for consumers to understand and would provide the funds needed to implement the ban.
"The governor's office supports this recommendation and we will work with the Legislature to develop a bill," said Art Dunn, director of the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance.
The bill is a product of hearings held by the Office of Environmental Assistance that included representative of industry, environmental and government groups, and other concerned parties.
Buzz Anderson, president of the Minnesota Retail Association, said retailers in the state would prefer uniform national legislation regulating the recycling of consumer electronics.
Anderson said retailers would accept the $10 fee as long as it's designated on consumer receipts, and that it's incurred by all merchants, including online retailers.
"Otherwise, this puts the retailers who invest in Minnesota, pay wages and salaries and property taxes at a huge disadvantage," Anderson said.
According to Appliance Manufacturer Magazine, about 608,000 TVs, 703,000 PCs and 266,000 laptops were sold in Minnesota in 2003.