California Take-it-Back Partnership promotes healthier environment: More options for residents to take back batteries, fluorescent lights and electronic devices

SACRAMENTO—California consumers will now find it easier to take back old batteries, fluorescent lamps and electronic devices through the newly created California Take-It-Back Partnership. The new program, created by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) works with retailers to provide convenient locations for consumers to return these items.

The California Take-It-Back Partnership is a collaborative effort among businesses and State and local agencies to provide convenient locations for consumers to take back batteries, fluorescent lamps or electronic devices.

These household items are considered to be "universal waste" and when thrown in landfills can harm the environment and have a negative impact on public health. California regulations no longer allow households to throw these items in the trash. Thus, there are 30 million people looking for a convenient way to "take it back."

"The corporations, independent store owners, municipal and county governments participating in this voluntary program are providing efficient methods to collect these household items for recycling," said DTSC Director Maureen Gorsen. "It is our hope that more entities come forward to assist in this environmentally friendly effort. Their contributions are a clear example that economic and governmental enterprise and environmental stewardship can successfully co-exist in our state."

Participating corporations have pledged to provide collection services at their stores. Independent retailers, county and local governments who have already started their own universal waste recycling programs are also part of the California Take-it-Back Partnership.

"Recycling these hazardous materials diverts them from landfills where they pose harm to public health and the environment," said Rosalie Mulé, CIWMB Member. "The California Take-it-Back Partnership provides residents with an economical means to properly discard these materials in an environmentally sound manner."

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the State's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes a zero waste California in partnership with local government, industry, and the public.  This means reducing waste whenever possible, promoting the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

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