Electronic Product Management

Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003:
Covered Electronic Waste Payment System (SB 20/SB 50)

California has enacted landmark legislation to establish a funding system for the collection and recycling of certain electronic wastes. The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) has adopted regulations to implement portions of the statute.

Visit the statutory and regulatory issues page to access the full history and text of SB 20 (Sher, Chapter 526, Statutes of 2003) and SB 50 (Sher, Chapter 863, Statutes of 2004).

Key elements of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act include:

• Reduction in hazardous substances used in certain electronic products sold in California.
• Collection of an electronic waste recycling fee at the point of sale of certain products.
• Distribution of recovery and recycling payments to qualified entities covering the cost of electronic waste collection and recycling.
• Directive to recommend environmentally preferred purchasing criteria for state agency purchases of certain electronic equipment.

The Electronic Waste Recycling Fee

On January 1, 2005, retailers began collecting the Electronic Waste Recycling Fee on covered electronic devices from consumers. The initial fees were established by the Legislature in SB20 and the CIWMB was given the responsibility to annually evaluate the fee levels to maintain sufficient funding to administer the Act. In June 2008, the Board acted to increase the fees to maintain the solvency of the fund. Retailers remit these fees to the Board of Equalization (BOE). The latest information on the Electronic Waste Recycling Fee program, including the retailer registration form and fee remittance deadlines, are available now on the BOE website. Retailers can also subscribe to receive periodic email notices from BOE about the program.

Graphics, media support and point-of-purchase information are available at eRecycle.org to assist retailers in explaining the fee and other aspects of the Act.

Implementing the Act

The CIWMB and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) are working together to implement this important legislation. Stakeholders should familiarize themselves with the original legislation, all implementing regulations, and program timelines. Interested parties are encouraged to check back often, or subscribe to an email newsletter to be kept apprised of developments and events.

Related information on managing electronic waste includes the Electronic Hazardous Waste regulations administered by DTSC. CRT Handler Notification requirements are also available on the DTSC website.

Last updated: February 23, 2009