The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) has announced that as part of that resolution, manufacturers will develop a framework for financing the nationwide recycling program that an EPA-initiated stakeholders group known as the National Electronics Product Stewardship Initiative (NEPSI) will recommend to Congress. Industry will propose legislation to finance recycling programs through a point-of-sale fee or by allowing companies to create alternative plans to manage costs without a fee on their products.

Manufacturers will also be given flexibility in fulfilling their recycling responsibilities, either collectively or individually, through the development of "Alternative Stewardship Plans." Such plans will demonstrate how manufacturers intend to meet or surpass collection and recycling goals set by the EPA or another neutral party.

The EIA has been a charter member of the NEPSI since the multi-stakeholder dialogue effort was organized by the EPA in April 2001. See www.eiae.org.