Electronic Waste - More Information

Electronic items that are considered to be hazardous include, but not limited to

• Televisions and computer monitors that contain cathode ray tubes (CRT)
  
• LCD desktop monitors;
  
• laptop computers with LCD displays;
  
• LCD televisions; and
  
• plasma televisions.
  
• portable DVD players with LCD screens

TESTS

DTSC Hazardous Materials Laboratory (HML) has developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for analyzing e-waste to determine if it is hazardous. The following provide information on these procedures and the results of some of the testing that HML has conducted.

SOP: Preparation of Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps for Mercury Testing, Including WET and TCLP - January 2004

SOP: Preparation of Consumer Electronic Devices Containing Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) for Metals, California Waste Extraction Test and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure - January 2004

Fact Sheets

SB20 Testing Results for LCD Monitors and Laptop Computers - March 2004

Reports

Determination of Regulated Elements in Seven Types of Discarded Consumer Electronic Products - January 2004

Determination of Regulated Elements in Discarded Laptop Computers, LCD Monitors, Plasma TVs and LCD TVs - December 2004

Summary of Analytical Test Results for Portable DVD Players - October 2006

Electronic Waste Recycling Act (EWRA) -
(SB20, 2003, Sher, & SB 50, 2004, Sher)

EWRA was signed into law on September 24, 2003, and amended by SB 50 (Stats. 2004, ch. 863) on September 29, 2004. One of the major objectives of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act, as amended, is to establish a new program for consumers to return, recycle, and ensure the safe and environmentally-sound disposal of video display devices, such as televisions and computer monitors, that are hazardous wastes when discarded. On January 1, 2005, California consumers began paying a fee of $6 to $10 at the time they purchase certain video display devices. Those fees are deposited into a special account that is used to pay qualified e-waste collectors and recyclers to cover their costs of managing e-waste.

Portable DVD players with LCD Screen Addition

Since portable DVD players with LCD screen were not added to this list until December 31, 2006, the sales restriction described in California Code of Regulations, title 22, section 66260.202, (i.e., the California RoHS regulation) only applies to portable DVD players with LCD screens greater than four inches in size that are manufactured on or after July 1, 2007. For more information, see:
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/LawsRegsPolicies/Regs/DVD_Emergency.cfm and
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/LawsRegsPolicies/Regs/Heavy_Metals_Emergency.cfm

These devices may not be "covered" if they are originally sold as part of a motor vehicle, or as part of a piece of industrial, commercial or medical equipment, or if they are contained within certain appliances at the time of purchase.

If a consumer purchases a "covered electronic device," the retailer may require the consumer to pay the recycling fee on the device. When consumer discards a "covered electronic device," it becomes a hazardous waste, called a "covered electronic waste." Qualified e-waste collectors and recyclers may receive cost-reimbursement from the fund established from the recycling fees for their management of covered electronic wastes. (Since portable DVD players with LCD screens greater than four inches in size did not become "covered electronic devices" until December 31, 2006, they are not subject to the Ewaste recycling fee until on and after July 1, 2007.)

Text of Emergency Regulations: Addition of Portable DVD Players to Appendix X

Finding of Emergency

Emergency Regulations: Authorized Treatment of Electronic Hazardous Wastes - June 2006

CIWMB's Electronic Products Management Page