Would such legislation be perfect for dealing with these kinds of things? Of course not, but it would be better.
What if recycle these devices causes more waste elsewhere? says the devices have to be heavier, using more materials. Also, more legislation mean more bureaucracy, less efficiency in general. Who is to say there is no waste in that?
I'm not against legislation when it makes sense. But "..Of course not, but it would be better"? It's always easy to speak from the comfort of HN.