Covered Electronic (CEW) Waste Recycling Fee

A recycling fee is assessed on video display devices and battery-embedded products sold in California.

What happens to the fee?

Collected fees go to approved collectors and recyclers to:

• Encourage them to develop recycling opportunities and
• Offset the cost of managing these products at the end of their use.

Since the CEW recycling fee is not a deposit, it does not contain a “redemption value” like many beverage containers in California. So fees are not reimbursed when retailers collect them.

Fees for Video Display Devices (VDDs)

This includes most VDDs with a screen size, measured diagonally, greater than four inches, such as computer monitors, televisions, laptop computers, smart displays, tablets, and portable DVD players.

For a list of devices that qualify as VDDs, including examples and exclusions, please visit the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Covered Electronic Waste page.

Fees for Covered Battery-Embedded Products (CBEPs)

CBEPs are products that contain a battery that is not designed to be easily removed by the user with common household tools. Examples include many cell phones, smart watches, wireless speakers, headphones, and other portable electronics with built-in batteries.