California's E-Waste Disposal Crisis

California continues to lead the nation in electronic waste policy as the only state that has successfully curbed both the illegal disposal and export of the largest category toxic electronics, which includes TVs, computer monitors, and laptops through CA's SB 20. It's estimated that half will either be reused or recycled in California today. In addition, the California Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC) has recognized a wide array of consumer electronic products as hazardous, and, effective February 2006, they are prohibited from disposal in household trash, affecting thousands of consumer electronic devices.

California's leadership in recycling electronic waste is helping to set the stage for national recycling policies, a critical move for a country that produces the most e-waste per person in the entire world, according to a May 2018 study by the Bureau of International Recycling. Resource Recycling covers the story here. 

E-waste, Hazardous and Universal Waste

• Background on E-waste

• Background on Universal Waste and DTSC Regulations

• Existing CA E-waste recycling laws

What You Can Do

• E-waste is recyclable

• How to handle your universal wastes

• CA's Take it Back program

• Locate e-waste recycling resources

Additional Resources

• E-waste Laws in Other States: Read about other states that have passed e-waste recycling and/or landfill bans.

• "Electronic Waste: Does the Federal Government Need to Play a Role"
  Testimony of Mark Murray, Executive Director Californians Against Waste U.S. House Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials Thursday September 8, 2005

• Poison PCs and Toxic TVs: the Greatest Threat to the Environment You've Never Heard Of
  2001 Report by CAWF and SVTC

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