Electronics Update Fall 2004

Electronics Update

by Terri Persons

DGS “Garage Sale”
Like many of us, the State of California has collected items that are no longer needed. So, to clear out warehouse space and generate some revenue, the Department of General Services (DGS), at the encouragement of the Governor, conducted its first-ever two-day “garage sale” on August 27.

Held at the Surplus Property warehouse in Sacramento, the sale attracted thousands of people who came in search of great bargains. Featured items included a red Ford Mustang, electronic equipment, desks, file cabinets, and all types of office supplies. In coordination with the garage sale, the electronic equipment recycling company HMR collected electronics free of charge.

Customers—many of whom were first-time warehouse shoppers—lined up hours in advance, even though the facility is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Customers can browse through a variety of surplus equipment and supplies from State agencies year-round. Instead of throwing away unneeded equipment, agencies send it to the warehouse where DGS offers it for sale to other State and local government agencies and to the public.

For more information about the DGS Surplus Property warehouse, visit www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/surplus/, call (916) 928-4630, or stop by the warehouse at 1700 National Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95834.

Bureau of Electronic Appliance Repair (BEAR)
You may have heard of the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) that regulates auto repair shops. Another division within the Department of Consumer Affairs is the Bureau of Electronic Appliance Repair (BEAR), which regulates appliance service dealers and service contract providers. All appliance repair businesses are required to register with BEAR, including those that provide on-site repair of household appliances.

Before you take in household appliances or electronics for needed service or repairs, first check to see if the dealer has a valid registration from BEAR. Dealers must display the registration in their repair shops. You can also search the list of registered repair shops on the BEAR website. BEAR provides tips for consumers seeking repairs as well as tips on purchasing appliances and electronic equipment.

To file a complaint about a repair dealer, consumers can visit BEAR’s website or call and request a complaint form at (800) 952-5210.

Legislative Update
Senate Bill 50 (Sher). SB 50 proposes more changes for the Electronic Waste Recycling Act. If SB 50 is enacted, the start date for the Electronic Waste Recycling Fee will be January 1, 2005. This is the advance recycling fee consumers will pay when they purchase a television or computer monitor. SB 50 would also establish January 1, 2005, as the date when collection and recycling activities become eligible for payments.  In response to SB 50, changes are underway to the existing emergency regulations adopted in May 2004. For more information about these changes, visit www.eRecycle.org

Assembly Bill 2901 (Pavley)
AB 2901 creates the Cell Phone Recycling Act of 2004 which requires (on and after July 1, 2006) every retailer of cell phones sold in California to have in place a system for the acceptance and collection of used cell phones for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal. This means customers will be able to recycle their cell phone at the business where they originally purchased their phone. They can also drop them off when they purchase a new phone. Currently some cell phone retailers already offer this option, including AT&T Wireless and Verizon. As with many other electronic devices, once you decide you no longer have a use for your "outdated" cell phone, consider donation or recycling before disposal.

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Last updated: August 01, 2008