Legislative Milestones in E-Waste Recycling

California's E-Waste Disposal Crisis

California has been at the forefront of e-waste legislation, with significant achievements spearheaded by CAW:

1. The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (SB 20/50)

In 2003, California became the first state to establish an e-waste recycling program through SB 20/50. The law introduced a system requiring consumers to pay an Electronic Waste Recycling Fee at the point of purchase for certain devices, including TVs, laptops, and monitors. The fees fund the collection and recycling infrastructure across the state.

2. Expansion of E-Waste Recycling with SB 1215 (2022)

CAW played a pivotal role in supporting Senate Bill 1215, which was signed into law in 2022. This bill expanded the scope of California’s e-waste recycling program to include new covered electronic devices, such as smart speakers, personal grooming devices, and other consumer electronics previously excluded. SB 1215 ensures that Californians have access to convenient, environmentally responsible e-waste recycling options.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. In California, this category includes discarded electronics such as televisions, computers, and smartphones that may contain hazardous materials, including heavy metals like lead and mercury. Responsible management of e-waste is essential to protect public health, conserve resources, and reduce environmental harm.

Thanks to progressive legislation and advocacy efforts, California leads the nation in e-waste recycling and material recovery, providing a robust framework to manage electronic waste responsibly. Today, that system involves:

  • A fee collected by California retailers at the point-of-sale of a covered electronic device

  • That CEW fee is used to fund the collection and recycling of waste devices at end-of-life

  • The ACT is implemented by CalRecycle, DTSC, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

How Do I Recycle My E-Waste in California?

  • DescriptioCalifornia operates a network of state-certified e-waste recycling centers. These facilities accept a variety of covered electronic devices, process them for material recovery, and ensure environmentally sound recycling practices.

    To find a nearby center, use CalRecycle’s E-Waste Locator Tool:
    Find a Recycling Center

  • Many cities and counties operate collection programs or host drop-off events for e-waste. Contact your local waste management agency to find drop-off locations or event schedules in your area.

  • Some retailers, such as Best Buy and Staples, offer free or low-cost e-waste recycling services. Be sure to check with your local store for their program details and accepted items.

  • Some waste haulers provide curbside collection of e-waste as part of bulky waste pickup services. Check with your local waste hauler to determine if this option is available in your community.

Approved Collectors & Recyclers

CalRecycle makes recovery and recycling payments to collectors and recyclers for collection and recycling of CEW.
See the Collector and Recycler Information page to find out more about requirements to participate in the program.
CalRecycle provides a database that organizations can use to find other businesses within the CEW Recycling Program.

Manufacturers

Local Governments

Regulations governing the CEW Recycling Program contain a provision that allows a Local Government to designate an approved collector to provide its specified CEW collection services.

Manufacturers of covered electronic devices are required annually to:

  • Report specific information in Manufacturer Reports to CalRecycle about applicable devices that are sold in California

  • Notify retailers in California of the fee requirement associated with selling these devices

  • Provide information to consumers that describes where and how to return, recycle, or dispose of their devices

The Manufacturer Take-Back Payment System is also available. 

What is the Covered Electronic Waste (CEW) Program?

Key Program Elements

The Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Program (Program) provides all Californians with convenient recycling for unwanted electronics.

CalRecycle receives and evaluates applications from prospective collectors and recyclers to participate in the Program.
Visit the Program page to find out more about:

Payment Rates

Consumer Fees

The current combined recovery and recycling payment rates paid to approved recyclers are:

  • $1.13/lb. for cathode ray tube (CRT) CEW

  • $1.15/lb. for non-CRT CEW.

The recovery rate paid to approved collectors is $.40/lb. for all CEW types.

  • Currently, consumers are charged a CEW recycling fee of:

    • $4 on a screen more than four inches but less than 15 inches;

    • $5 on a screen more than 15 inches but less than 35 inches; and

    • $6 on a screen measuring 35 inches or more.

E-waste, Hazardous and Universal Waste

What You Can Do

Additional Resources

Back to Issues

What’s changing once SB 1215 comes into effect January 1, 2025?

SB 1215 amends the Electronic Waste Recycling Act and adds covered battery-embedded products to the CEW Recycling Program.

Covered battery-embedded product means a product covered in this program that contains a battery that is not designed to be easily removed by the user with no more than commonly used household tools.

The following products are excluded from the scope of the CEW Recycling Program:

  • Certain medical devices

  • Existing covered electronic devices (video display devices)

  • Certain energy storage systems

  • Electronic nicotine delivery systems

Implementation Timeline

Relevant Statute/Code Sections

Statute

Regulations