The Legislature is working itself up to create a new program requiring the recycling of old computers and other electronic waste. Even though it might raise the cost of living another notch, this idea certainly comes across as a responsible approach.

Officials worry about the contents of electronic gear such as toxic metals ending up in landfills. But considering how strictly landfills are regulated, it's hard to see how a few toxics could do any harm while buried in millions of tons of household waste and construction debris.

Anyway, why zero in on just electronics? What about old lawnmowers? How about motors of all sorts? All the old automobiles sitting in front- and backyards all over the mid-valley? Do those represent an environmental risk as well? Maybe a risk bigger than a few thousand computers?

Come to think of it, once you start down this road you might end up where no matter what you buy and take home - from a plastic toothbrush to a couch - the state some day will have a mandatory recycling policy complete with extra costs.

Greater and greater expense - maybe that's what "sustainability" means. (hh)