California changes electronics recycling fee

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has announced that it has secured final approval from the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on emergency regulations to adjust the electronic waste recycling fee from the current rates of $3 for covered electronic devices with a screen size of less than 15 inches measured diagonally, $4 for a screen size greater than or equal to 15 inches but less than 35 inches measured diagonally and $5 for covered devices with a screen size greater than or equal to 35 inches measured diagonally to $5, $6 and $7, respectively.

The fee changes take effect Jan. 1, 2017.

These changes have been added to the California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 18660.40.  A copy of OAL’s approval and other rulemaking documents can be found at www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Laws/Rulemaking/Archive/2016/EWasteFee/default.htm.

The director of CalRecycle approved the proposed changes July 20, 2016, following a public meeting.  A copy of the signed request for approval, the proposed rulemaking language and other supporting documents can be found at the CalRecycle Public Notice website at www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Actions/PublicNoticeDetail.aspx?id=1850&aiid=1676.

In other news related to e-scrap recycling regulations, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) recently readopted rules for Disposition Options for Universal Waste Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and CRT Glass.   

DTSC submitted a request to the OAL Sept. 2, 2016, that existing emergency regulations for the disposition of waste cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and CRT glass be continued in effect for an additional two years while DTSC finalizes a permanent regulations package. DTSC says it will complete the final regulations package within the next two years, even if it cannot identify a recycling option.

OAL approved this emergency regulatory action Sept. 12, 2016, and the emergency regulations became effective immediately and swill remain in effect for two years or until revised by the department. More information is available in the DTSC Emergency Regulations posted on the DTSC regulations web page at www.dtsc.ca.gov/LawsRegsPolicies/Regs/CRT_Glass_Disposal.cfm

The text of the emergency regulations is unchanged from the first approved re-adoption of the emergency regulations in September 2014.