Calif. Senate OKs proposal to put recycling onus on electronics makers

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 30) -- The California state Senate approved two bills that will require manufacturers to take financial responsibility for recycling end-of-life electronics.
Senate Bill 1523, which passed 21-12, and Senate Bill 1619, which passed 24-11, call for electronics makers to pay for the net cost of recycling cathode ray tube devices or for the disposal for equipment that´s not recyclable. The legislation, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2004, requires manufacturers and retailers that sell electronics directly to consumers to collect a recycling fee from the purchaser.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board would collect the fees and administer the recycling programs. The bills have moved to the state Assembly for consideration.