CIWMB Encourages Electronics Recycling

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) has kicked off a new eRecycle Consumer Education Program in Sacramento in cooperation with recycling firm California Electronic Asset Recovery Inc.

The agency says the goal of what will be a statewide program is “to educate the public about how to properly dispose of unwanted electronic equipment.”

The CIWMB estimates that more than 6 million computer monitors and televisions are stockpiled in California garages, closets and attics.

“[Electronics] recycling is a great way to help protect California’s residents and keep our environment safe from harmful materials,” says 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.”

In California it is now 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 electronic scrap going to landfills by communicating to the public that electronic products can be conveniently reused, refurbished or recycled.

The Sacramento event took place at a site that the CIWMB says will be the first of “hundreds of locations throughout the state where electronic devices can be conveniently dropped-off for recycling—most often free of charge.”

In Sacramento, companies like California Electronic Asset Recovery Inc. and its president Paul Gao are striving to provide convenient recycling opportunities for electronic scrap in California, says the CIWMB.

CIWMB is also planning to reach the public in retail locations at the point-of-purchase through an eRecycle Retail Partnership Program that will promote eRecycling options and information to customers.

“Wal-Mart is pleased to be partnering with the state on this important issue,” says Elise Warner, Regional Operations Director with Wal-Mart of California. “We hope to increase our customers' awareness about eRecycling and to do our part in reducing the amount of material in the waste stream and therefore our landfills.”

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

More information on the CIWMB’s eRecycling Program, including specific facility locations, hours of operation and accepted items, can be found at www.eRecycle.org.