Electronic Waste Recycling Fee

A recycling fee is assessed on certain electronic devices sold in California.

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

Current Fees (January 1, 2020, forward)

  $4       More than four inches but less than 15 inches

  $5       At least 15 inches but less than 35 inches

  $6       35 inches or more

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.

Multiple monitors on a wall with a man pointing at one.

The information on this page does not apply to battery-embedded products. To learn more visit the SB 1215 page.

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