Advisory Group Formed to Oversee eRecycle Program: Group charged with helping communicate importance of eRecycling to Californians

SACRAMENTO—The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) held a kick-off meeting today with a newly-formed advisory group, which was created to help guide the direction of the eRecycle Consumer Education Program--a two-year, statewide program to educate the public about how and where to properly dispose of unwanted electronic equipment such as TV's, laptops and computer monitors.

Advisory group members include representatives from various federal, state and county environmental departments, electronic and recycling industry associations, manufacturers, retail partners and eRecycling centers throughout the state.

Today's meeting agenda included an overview of the program, the State's eRecycling payment system, and the progress made to date in reducing electronic waste. Participants were asked to provide perspective and insight about the electronic waste or "e-waste" process to help improve best management practices, and to act as a sounding board for outreach ideas and activities.

"This advisory group is a perfect example of public and private organizations working together in the best interest of Californians and the environment," said Margo Reid Brown, Chair of the CIWMB. "This group is an important part of CIWMB's overall mission to reduce waste whenever possible and promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use."

The advisory group plans to meet on a quarterly basis to continue determining eRecycle outreach for California communities.

The eRecycle Consumer Education Program was created as a result of California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, effective January 1, 2005. This landmark legislation requires electronic retailers statewide to collect a small Electronic Waste Recycling Fee (between $6 and $10 on most televisions, computer monitors and laptop computers depending on size), for each covered electronic device that has been purchased.

The fees are then used to develop recycling opportunities and offset the cost of properly collecting and recycling these types of products at the end of their useful lives.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment.
 

# # #