DTSC has prepared a fact sheet that explains the requirements of the Certified Appliance Recycler program in more detail: AB 1447-Changes to the Appliance Program.
Additionally, you may find some of these related documents useful:
- DTSC's Universal Waste Web page includes information and guidance on the management of universal wastes, including mercury switches.
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DTSC's Used Oil Fact Sheet includes information and guidance on how to manage used oil removed from discarded major appliances. - DTSC's Mercury Waste Web page includes guidance on locating and removing mercury switches from discarded major appliances.
Compliance and Enforcement Issues
If you would like to submit a comment or complaint regarding the compliance or enforcement of the requirements discussed above, please complete an environmental complaint form online or call our toll-free hotline at (800) 698-6942.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to obtain certification?
There is no application fee to become a Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR).
How long does it take to receive certification?
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) processes the certification within two weeks after the application is completed.
I already have a California Hazardous Waste ID number. Do I still need to become a CAR?
Yes. The CAR certification is separate from the California ID numbers.
When does a CAR need an EPA ID number?
The law requires persons who remove Materials that Require Special Handling from appliances to get an EPA ID number. Any person who removes a regulated hazardous waste is considered a hazardous waste generator and must obtain an EPA ID number and comply with all applicable laws for generators of hazardous waste.
How do I obtain an EPA ID number?
Refer to the EPA Web site for the instructions on obtaining an EPA ID number.
What hazardous waste or universal waste materials are commonly found in major appliances?
The following materials may be found in major appliances:
Does an appliance repair business need to become a Certified Appliance Recycler?
No. If the appliance is being repaired, it is not a waste. CAR requirements apply to discarded major appliances. Once an appliance is discarded and becomes a waste, a CAR would need to properly remove and dispose of all the Materials that Require Special Handling.
Do appliance transporters need to become Certified Appliance Recyclers?
No. A person who is not a CAR may transport, deliver or sell discarded major appliances to a scrap recycling facility only if the following criteria is met:
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The appliance is being transported as an orphan appliance.
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The appliance has been crushed, baled, shredded, sawed or sheared apart, and the transporter provides the scrap recycling facility with a complete DTSC Form 1430.
Does a solid waste facility need to be a Certified Appliance Recycler?
No, not if it only receives, stores or transports major appliances.
Yes, if the facility plans to remove Materials that Require Special Handling from appliances. A CAR can be hired by the facility to remove Materials that Require Special Handling from the facility. The CAR can work either on site or off-site.
Does a feeder yard need to be a Certified Appliance Recycler?
No, not if they only receive, store, or transport major appliances.
Yes, if the facility plans to remove “Materials Requiring Special Handling” from appliances. A CAR can be hired by the facility to remove “Materials Requiring Special Handling” from the facility's major appliance wasters. The CAR can work either on-site or off-site.
Does a scrap recycling facility that is a Certified Appliance Recycler need to complete Form 1430?
No, but the CAR must maintain on-site records for three years containing the following information: the amount of appliances by volume or weight or both; the volume or weight or both of each MRSH; the method used by the appliance recycler to recycle, dispose of or otherwise manage each MRSH, including the name and address of the facility to which each material was sent; and the number of appliances from which MRSH are removed each year. Form 1430 and Form 1459, submitted to the scrap recycling facility by the transporter, must also be maintained.
Does a scrap recycling facility need to collect Form 1430 from another scrap metal facility or feeder yard?
DTSC Form 1430 is required at the initial transaction of the discarded major appliance (with the Materials that Require Special Handling removed) from the Certified Appliance Recycler or transporter to the scrap recycling facility. No DTSC Form 1430 is required between two scrap recycling facilities in the event the Materials that Require Special Handling have been removed.
Can I accept waste appliances from which the Materials that Require Special Handling have been removed?
Yes, if you have determined that the appliance was not processed in a manner that resulted in the release of those materials or if you are a CAR and will properly remove any remaining MRSH.
No, if the appliance has been processed in a manner that could result in the release of those materials.
If my facility collects or stores major appliance waste and contracts a Certified Appliance Recycler to remove materials on-site, which EPA ID number is reported to the DTSC on Form 1430?
Either the EPA ID number associated with the location of the facility or the EPA ID number associated with the CAR facility may be used on the DTSC Form 1430.
Can the weight of the appliances be used on the DTSC Form 1430?
Yes. The weight of the appliances may be used on DTSC Form 1430.
Can I ship intact appliances to other states or countries without removing the Materials that Require Special Handling?
Yes.
If a major appliance does not contain any Materials that Require Special Handling, can it be managed as scrap metal when it becomes a waste?
If the appliance contained Materials that Require Special Handling and they have been removed, the remaining shell is considered scrap metal and may be managed as such, following the collection of DTSC Form 1430.
Are microwave ovens considered major appliances or electronic wastes?
Usually, microwaves are both a "major appliance" and a "Universal Waste Electronic Device" (UWED).
A Certified Appliance Recycler that handles microwaves must remove and certify the removal of the three types of capacitors specified in the law as Materials that Require Special Handling (i.e., the PCB-containing, DEHP-containing and any other metal-encased capacitors) from the microwave oven prior to recycling. Once removed, any PCG-containing capacitor is hazardous waste; any DEHP-containing capacitors and other metal-encased capacitors would likely not be hazardous wastes.
An appliance recycler who handles microwave ovens that are not large metal items that are identified as toxic are subject to the "Universal Waste Electronic Device" (UWED) rules for microwave ovens.
When parts from a major appliance come in (for example, a load of drained refrigerator compressors), can they be considered appliances?
No. Pieces or parts from appliances are not considered major appliances. A major appliance is any domestic or commercial device, including but not limited to a washing machine, clothes dryer, water heater, dehumidifier, conventional oven, microwave oven, stove, refrigerator, freezer, air-conditioner, trash compactor and residential furnace.
If an appliance becomes damaged and a MRSH becomes inaccessible, can it be left in the appliance, or does it have to be removed?
The law requires that Materials that Require Special Handling must be removed from a discarded major appliance and cannot be disposed of in a solid waste facility or landfill. Materials Requiring Special Handling must be removed from the appliance prior to the appliance being crushed, baled, shredded, sawed or sheared apart, disposed of, or otherwise processed in a manner that could result in the release of hazardous materials. You must be a CAR to remove and manage those materials.
How long does it take to receive certification as a CAR?
If the application contains all information and it is apparent the applicant is able to properly remove MRSH, the certification is completed within one week. However, if information is missing from the application, the certification will take longer.
How do I renew my certification after it expires in three years?
You must complete an entirely new application, Form 1428.
How are the refrigerants managed once removed: All in one mixed container? Segregated? What is the proper type of container? Is it labeled and dated? Where is it stored?
Refrigerants are extracted from refrigeration units by refrigerant type R-12, R-22, R-134. The Department makes every effort possible not to mix refrigerant types. Refrigerants are extracted directly into approved and certified refrigerant compressed gas cylinders that are labeled and dated. All refrigerants are stored under lock and key in the Department's Household hazardous Waste collection Facility operating under permit by rule. Refrigerants are then transported to the approved refrigerant recycler.
Describe how capacitors are managed. all in one bin, Segregated? Recycled? Hazardous Waste disposal? How do employees identify capacitors? PCB type?
Capacitors are stored in two categories, non-PCB and PCB. Employees are trained to look for the label stating non-PCB. If there is no label, the capacitor is considered to contain PBCs and managed as such. Capacitors are stored in 55 gallon drums with Hazardous Waste labeling with all required information including proper shipping name, accumulation dates and generator information. All PCB containing capacitors are managed as hazardous waste. Non-PCB capacitors are recycled or managed as hazardous waste.
How is the oil managed once removed? What type of container is used? Is it labeled and dated? Where is it stored?
Used oil from gas operated equipment such as lawn mowers is recycled with other engine oil. It is stored in a 250 gallon tank on site with scheduled pickups by the Department Hazardous waste contractor. the tank is labeled as used oil with a California Hazardous Waste label with proper shipping name, accumulation dates and generator information. Oil from cloth washer transmissions is also added to the 250 gallon tank for recycling. Oil from refrigeration unit compressors is often contaminated and for this reason the oil is stored separately in 55 gallon drums that are labeled as used oil with a California hazardous Waste label with proper shipping name, accumulation dates and generator information. The drums are tested for contamination by the contracted hazardous waste hauler in the presents of a Department employee. If the oil is not contaminated, it is recycled. If the test results show possible PCB contamination, the oil is managed as hazardous waste.
What about batteries and fluorescent lights? What training is necessary to manage and identify these items? What is necessary for removal and management?
Program staff are trained to recognize batteries in electronics, appliances and other gas and/or electronic equipment. Lead acid batteries (auto type) are recycled at a local recycler. Other batteries found in cordless power tools, wireless and cordless phone, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys, are recycled or managed as hazardous waste. Staff are trained to remove the batteries without damaging the battery in a manner that could result in leakage.
For illegal hazardous waste activities, please call the DTSC Complaint Hotline at (800) 698-6942.
