Electronic Waste Recycling Act

The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (2003 Cal ALS 526) (EWRA) is a California law to reduce the use of certain hazardous substances in certain electronic products sold in the state. The act was signed into law September 2003.

All CRT, LCD, and plasma display devices contained in televisions, computers, and other electronic equipment with a screen size over 4 inches (10 cm) measured diagonally are covered by the act. After January 1, 2007 these devices may not contain greater than the allowed concentrations of any of these four materials (by weight):

*cadmium : 0.01%
*hexavalent chromium : 0.1%
*lead : 0.1%
*mercury : 0.1%

The Act also requires retailers to collect an Electronic Waste Recycling Fee (effective January 1, 2005) from consumers who purchase covered devices. Recycling fees are paid to the State of California, although retailers may retain 3% of the collected fees in order to recoup costs of collection. Retailers may pay the fee on behalf of the consumer, however the retailer must remit the same amount to the State and indicate the amount on the consumer receipt.

The statutory recycling fees are adjusted every one to two years by the state on or before August 1 of the year.

Those who sell covered electronics devices without paying the electronic waste recycling fee may be civilly liable for up to $5,000 per offense. Manufacturers who do not comply with the regulations may be liable up to $25,000.

ee also

*Waste legislation
*Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
*Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)

External links

* [http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Electronics/Act2003/ Integrated Waste Management Board]
* [http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/EWaste/upload/Restriction_on_Electronic_Devices_01-05-06.pdf California’s Restriction on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Some Electronic Devices (RoHS)]