California Gov. Signs E-Waste Law

Lynn Schenkman

Sacramento -- Gov. Gray Davis has signed the California Electronics Waste Recycling Act of 2003. The new law, sponsored originally in the state senate by Byron Sher, establishes a management and handling program for cathode ray tubes found in computer monitors and TVs. The e-waste law also provides for the elimination of existing waste stockpiles by the end of 2007. In July 2004, California retailers will begin collecting an e-waste recycling fee for store-bought, mail-order and Internet purchases. The fees are $6 for products with video display screens between 4 inches and 15 inches; $8 for screens between 15 inches and 35 inches; and $10 for products with screens larger than 35 inches.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) will be able to impose fees up to $5,000 for violations. Revenues will be deposited in an Electronic Waste Recovery and Recycling Account and will fund payments to authorized waste collectors and recyclers to cover the net costs for operating e-waste programs for the public. Beginning in July 2005, electronic product manufacturers must report their approximate annual sales of covered products to the board.