Back in 2003, California passed legislation to implement an electronic waste recycling program. Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to any unwanted electronic device, which typically contains harmful substances that are dangerous for humans and the environment. Understanding California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act is crucial for ensuring the proper disposal of your outdated equipment.
Goals of the Act
California created the act in response to dire health and environmental concerns. When people don’t properly dispose of their e-waste, it exposes living things to harmful substances. The primary goal of this act was to change the way that electronics manufacturers made and sold their products in the state of California. It restricts the use of these substances during manufacturing:
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Hexavalent chromium
Recycling Programs
Understanding California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act also includes knowing about the Electronic Waste Recycling Fee. The state adds the fee onto consumer purchases of specific devices, and the extra funds go toward no-cost recycling programs for consumers. The primary goals of the recycling programs are:
To provide cost-free recycling opportunities
To prevent illegal e-waste dumping
To reduce e-waste stockpiling
To prevent dangerous materials from entering the solid waste system
These programs work wonders when consumers make use of them, but they can’t be perfect unless everyone puts in the effort to correctly dispose of their obsolete electronics.
Your Business
Your business may have to pay the abovementioned fee when purchasing electronics, but you probably won’t experience many of the act’s other points of impact. However, be sure to properly dispose of your electronics to avoid illegal dumping or stockpiling.
Evergreen IT Solutions can assist your business with e-waste recycling in San Jose and the surrounding areas. Check out our website to learn more about proper electronics disposal and recycling, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
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