What is California 'WEEE'?

SB 20: Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003
SB 50: Emergency Amendment to SB 20
SB 20 & 50: DTSC guidance

California SB 20 and SB 50 contain both RoHS and WEEE-like provisions (since these directives were adopted by the EU, RoHS has become shorthand for regulating the hazardous substances used in electrical and electronic equipment, while WEEE refers to regulating the disposal of this equipment).

California WEEE provisions took effect on January 1, 2005. They are summarized below: 

SB 20 applies only to CRT, LCD and plasma screens larger than four inches measured diagonally. SB 50 extended coverage to products refurbished by the manufacturer for retail sale (to date, repeated efforts to expand its scope to mirror European RoHS have failed).

Video displays in electronic medical devices, specialty equipment such as thermostats and heating regulators, motor vehicles, and large commercial or industrial equipment were specifically excluded by SB 20. Video displays in washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers were excluded by SB 50.

At point of purchase, consumers pay (and retailers collect) a recycling fee on covered electronic devices. The fee ranges from $6 to $10, depending upon the size of the screen. The recycling fee has been collected in California since January 1, 2005.

At end of life, the collection of covered electronic waste must be free and convenient to the consumer. The recycling fee funds e-waste recovery payments to authorized collectors and e-waste recycling payments. The California Integrated Waste Management Board currently pays 48¢ per pound for electronic waste  received from recyclers.

Manufacturers of covered electronic products must notify retailers and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) when a device is subject to the recycling fee. They must provide consumer information on how to recycle the products. They must file annual reports with the Board specifying the number of covered devices sold in California, the total amount of hazardous substances contained in the devices, the company's reduction in use of hazardous materials from year before, their increase in use of recyclable materials from year before, and their efforts to design more environmentally friendly products. 

SB 20 also contains restrictions on the export of electronic waste to foreign countries.

AB 2901: Cell Phone Recycling Act

Took effect on July 1, 2006.

Retailers of cell phones must take back their customers' old cell phones for proper disposal and recycling at no cost to the consumer.

AB 1125: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act

Took effect on July 1, 2006. 

Retailers of rechargeable batteries must take back their consumers' used rechargeable batteries for proper disposal and recycling at no cost to the consumer. Retailers and grocery stores with less than $1 million annual revenue are exempt.

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