The information on this page does not apply to battery-embedded products. To learn more visit the SB 1215 page.
In July 2016, CalRecycle embarked on a long-term project to evaluate options for the future management of e-waste in California.
The Covered Electronic Waste (CEW) Recycling Program, a key feature of the Electronic Waste Management Act, addresses only certain video display devices. Supported by a consumer recycling fee, the state-administered payment system has fostered a robust material collection and processing infrastructure. By definition, the program finances the management of only a portion of the larger e-waste stream.
Increasingly complex technologies are being discarded, often with less intrinsic material value, which are more difficult to dismantle and contain components requiring special handling. Meanwhile, global economics are disrupting commodity markets, and necessary environmental regulations present challenges to industry compliance.
Without a doubt, California’s initial approach to the management of e-waste has been a success. The amount of CEW collected, processed in-state, and claimed for recovery and recycling payment is substantial. This has been accomplished on a foundation of the most comprehensive environmental rules in the United States. CalRecycle engaged stakeholders in analyzing the current SB 20 Program and differing approaches to e-waste management around the world. The resulting Future of Electronic Waste Management in California report reflects this analysis and contains several recommendations for enhancing the existing CEW Recycling Program.
CalRecycle will continue to engage with all interested stakeholders in the future, and we encourage your continued participation.
#
Project Elements
- Consideration of the adoption of the Future of Electronic Waste Management in California report and the recommendations contained therein as CalRecycle’s policy regarding the future management of electronic waste was held on May 15, 2018 at the CalRecycle public monthly meeting. The Request for Approval was approved and signed by the Director on May 15, 2018.
- Future of Electronic Waste Management in California Part 4—October 11, 2017
CalRecycle hosted the fourth workshop to discuss methods of selecting and adding products to different program structures, which could include a fee and payment model or product stewardship model. The agenda and presentations are posted on CalRecycle’s Public Notice website linked above. A recording YouTube (03:08:20) is available. Informal summary notes for the day’s proceedings. - Future of Electronic Waste Management in California Part 3—June 20, 2017
CalRecycle hosted the third in a series of workshops designed to engage stakeholders in a discussion concerning the future of e-waste collection and management in California. Interested parties were encouraged to attend and actively participate on the subject of prioritizing material types in a possible future program expansion. The agenda and presentations are posted on CalRecycle’s Public Notice website linked above. No recording of this workshop is available. Informal summary notes from the day’s proceedings. - Future of Electronic Waste Management in California Part 2—March 15, 2017
CalRecycle hosted a follow-up meeting to discuss expanding e-waste programs by adding a product category, using printers as an example. The agenda and presentations are posted on CalRecycle’s Public Notice website linked above. A recording of the workshop YouTube (2:54:19) | Transcript is also available. Informal summary notes from the day’s proceedings. - Future of Electronic Waste Management in California Initial Workshop—September 14, 2016
CalRecycle hosted a day-long meeting of stakeholder to initiate what is intended to be a thorough examination of needs and options relative to electronic waste management in California into the future. The agenda and presentations are posted on CalRecycle’s Public Notice website linked above. Recordings of the morning session YouTube (2:06:49) | Transcript and the afternoon session YouTube (00:20:30) | Transcript are also available. Informal summary notes from the day’s proceedings. - An initial survey was distributed July 2016 to over 3,300 stakeholders seeking current perspectives.
- An ongoing evaluation of various e-waste management models’ strengths and weaknesses.
Resources for Participants
- Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse (ERCC)
The ERCC is a forum for coordination and information exchange among the state/local agencies that are implementing electronics recycling laws and all impacted stakeholders. Of particular interest are the maps depicting states with electronic waste legislation, covered entities and covered devices by state, and the section on “State Law Data”. - CalRecycle’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) webpage contains an EPR checklist that provides a description of the key attributes that should be considered and addressed in any EPR legislation.
- Electronics EPR: A Case Study of State Programs in the U.S.
This report published by the Product Stewardship Institute in July 2014 provides an overview of the 25 state programs that have passed legislation relating to electronic waste recycling. 23 of the states are implementing some type of an EPR approach. The report specifically examines how the various state programs address 14 key elements of an e-waste recycling program. - OECD policy guidance on resource efficiency
- This was published in response to a request from the G7 Toyama Environment Ministers Meeting in May 2016. Provides a brief overview of general policies (not product specific) to increase resource efficiency along the entire lifecycle of products.
- Current Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Program
The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 established the Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Program, which is a consumer fee and state-administered payment program. - Department of Toxic Substances Control–Electronic Waste
Overview of how the physical management hazardous electronic waste is regulated in California.
This page is for informational purposes only; it does not list all requirements in statute and regulations.
For more information contact: Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Program, EWaste@calrecycle.ca.gov