Students could be breaking the law and not even know it. Vermont’s electronic waste law was enacted Jan. 1, banning the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) into landfills in an effort to reduce hazardous waste, the Vermont Government website stated. “There’s some great stuff in [landfills], and there’s also lots of hazardous materials,” Clare Innes, spokeswoman for Chittenden Solid Waste District, said. Starting July 1, drop-off locations will be available to charities, school districts and small businesses for depositing used electronics for free, according to the Vermont Government website. Vermont solid waste districts process around 750 tons of unwanted electronics each year, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation e-waste website stated. The law forces people to consider the negative impact electronics have on the environment before throwing them in the trash, according to the Burlington Free Press. “Vermont’s Electronics Waste Law reflects Vermont’s willingness to be a forerunner for implementing new environmentally conscious policies,” first year Niko Ludwig said. After July 1, the electronic manufacturers will pay for Vermont’s efforts to collect and recycle e-waste, according to the Vermont Government website. Vermont is the 21st state in America to receive money from companies to haul away electronic products from drop-off facilities, the website stated. Parts from used electronics can be used to make new devices in the future, according to the Burlington Free Press. “Everything we term ‘waste’ is just a mismanaged resource. Everything we create should be captured and returned to some kind of use,” Jen Holliday, CSWD environmental and safety compliance manager, said.