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Business Connections

Board Asks for Electronics Recycling

Special to The Emeryville Connection
April 2008

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) has launched a new eRecycle Partnership Program. The goal of this statewide program is to educate the consumers and businesses about how to properly dispose of unwanted electronic equipment.

E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” It is estimated that over six million computer monitors and televisions are stockpiled in California garages, closets and attics in hopes of finding a new life but are overshadowed by new technologies. This electronic equipment can be harmful to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly.

“eRecycling is a great way to help protect California’s residents and keep our environment safe from harmful materials,” said Margo Reid Brown, CIWMB Chair. “This program is an important part of CIWMB’s overall mission in reducing waste whenever possible and promoting the management of all materials to their highest and best use.”

Many Californians are unaware that it is illegal to throw certain electronic items, such as televisions and computer monitors, in the trash because of the hazardous materials they contain. The eRecycle program is meant to reduce the amount of e-waste going to landfills by communicating to the public that electronic products can be conveniently reused, refurbished or recycled.

CIWMB is also planning to reach the public in retail locations or the point-of-purchase through an eRecycle Retail Partnership Program. By partnering with CIWMB, electronic retailers will receive employee training and in-store educational materials to promote eRecycling options and information to customers.

The eRecycle program was created as a result of California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, which went into effect January 1, 2005. This landmark legislation requires electronic retailers statewide to collect a small Electronic Waste Recycling Fee (between $6 and $10 on most televisions, computer monitors and laptop computers depending on size), for each covered electronic device that has been purchased.

The new Program also offers a variety of ways businesses can manage its e-waste and educate employees about e-recycling both at work and at home. Several examples of resources available to employers include e-Recycling Management Training and e-Recycling Educational Materials.