Electronics Update Winter 2004

Electronics Update

by Terri Persons

On September 24, 2003, after months of evolution, landmark legislation establishing a funding system to offset the costs of collection and recycling of certain electronic wastes was signed into law.

Key elements of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 include:

• Collection of an electronic waste recycling fee at the point of sale of certain electronic devices. The fee varies from $6 to $10, depending on the size of the screen. Retailers will begin collecting the fee on July 1, 2004.
• Distribution of recovery and recycling payments to qualified entities that collect and recycle electronic waste.
• Reduction in hazardous substances used in certain electronic devices sold in California.
• Directive to establish environmentally preferred purchasing criteria for State agency purchases of certain electronic equipment.

The recycling fee will be collected on televisions and computer monitors (devices with cathode ray tubes) which are currently designated as a hazardous waste when disposed in California. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) makes the determination if additional devices are subject to the fee.  You can read the full history and text of the new law on line: SB 20 (Sher, Chapter 526, Statutes of 2003).

Efforts are underway to develop regulations to implement the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003. Meetings were held in October and December of 2003 to receive input from stakeholders. Visit our web site to find out the current status of the regulations or submit input.

Keep Your Number, Recycle Your Cell Phone
Federal Communications Commission approved rules allowing cellular customers to keep their number when they switch to a new service provider. The rules went into effect on November 24, 2003, for the 100 largest metropolitan areas.

This rule is expected to generate a significant increase in the number of “old” phones as consumers upgrade to new phones and new service providers. In response, the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA*) has launched a program www.recyclewirelessphones.org to educate the public on the options available for properly recycling used wireless devices. The program seeks to promote the collection of used wireless devices and ensure that collected wireless products will be managed properly.

The growth in cell phones is significant. A new report by INFORM Inc., titled, "Calling All Cell Phones: Collection, Reuse and Recycling Programs in the U.S.," claims that in 1990, the U.S. had 5.3 million subscribers; by 2002 the number was 140.8 million. The report evaluates collection and reuse programs for cell phones. While only a small percentage of “old” phones are currently reused or recycled, more organizations are providing services to consumers. The research focused on four organizations that operate in the U.S.:

• Wireless Foundation’s "Donate a Phone" program www.wirelessfoundation.org/.
• Verizon Wireless HopeLine program www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/aboutUs/communityservice/hopeLine.jsp
• CollectiveGood www.collectivegood.com/.
• Charitable Recycling www.charitablerecycling.com/CR/home.asp.

Each organization helps businesses and consumers recycle or reuse their old phones. When purchasing a new cell phone, consumers should also ask the retailer or service provider about trade-in options or recycling services offered by the company.

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Last updated: December 30, 2008