Electronics recycling legislation update

California Assembly Bill 147 requires electronics manufacturers to provide information to the state about hazardous materials in their products. The bill passed out of Assembly by 42-to-32 vote, and is now in the state Senate.

AB 903, which recently passed out of the Assembly by a 77-to-two vote, amends requirements for state agencies reporting annually to the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) about solid waste diversion efforts. The bill demands agencies to summarize calculations of annual disposal reduction, including the diversion of e-waste, and detail programs or facilities established for the handling, diversion, and disposal of e-waste.

AB 1280 passed out of the Assembly by 76-to-zero vote, and expands the list of appliances not defined as “covered electronic devices” to include freezers, induction cooktops or ranges, beverage makers and food steamers.

Senate Bill 723 changes the frequency of the CIWMB electronic scrap recovery payment schedule calculation from bi-annually to yearly. The measure passed out of the Senate by 22-to-17 vote, and is currently in the Assembly.

Colorado House Bill 1282, approved by Governor Bill Ritter Jr. on June 1st, requires the state to create a task force to study the costs the benefits of implementing both a statewide e-scrap recycling program and a landfill disposal ban on devices covered under the plan.

Maine Legislative Document 536 amends the state’s program to add desktop printers and video game consoles, and clarifies that digital picture frames are subject to the recycling laws. The bill passed the House by a 92-to-47 vote and is presently residing in the Senate. The measure also replaces manufacturer-responsibility provisions with an annual registration requirement.

LD 1156 — approved by Governor John E. Baldacci on June 2nd — changes the basis for television manufacturers’ responsibility for recycling televisions to a market-share basis.

North Carolina SB 887 makes technical changes to the state’s recycling program, such as redefining “computer equipment” to include notebook computers. The bill passed out of the Senate by 46-to-zero vote, and is currently in the House.

Nevada AB 426, approved by Governor Jim Gibbons on May 29th, requires the state to study programs for reusing and recycling computers and other electronics.

Texas HB 821 passed unanimously out of the Senate and is currently waiting for Governor Rick Perry’s signature. The Television TakeBack Bill adds televisions to the list of covered devices under the state’s electronics recycling law, passed in 2007.

Wisconsin SB 107 has been placed on the calendar for June 9th consideration by the Senate. The measure creates an extended producer responsibility program for video display devices (with screens four inches or larger), computers and printers.

– E-Scrap News