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<Today's Date>

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor, State of California
State Capitol, First Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814   

RE: Support the Expansion of CA E-Waste Law to Include All Electronics

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

<Individual/Organization> urge your support to expand the current electronic waste (e-waste) law to include all consumer electronic devices in California.  While California has one of the most effective e-waste laws in the nation, recycling 210 million pounds of electronics last year, the existing law covers less than half of all electronics. The “covered electronic wastes” are products that have monitor screens such as televisions, computer monitors, and laptops. The remainder is either illegally disposed in California’s environment or illegally exported to the developing world ostensibly for recycling. 

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has found that most electronic devices ‘exhibit the characteristics of toxicity,’ and such devices are banned from disposal in solid waste landfills.  There is little argument that most electronics contain a myriad of toxic materials, including lead, mercury, and cadmium. Human exposure to these carcinogenic substances can result in damage to the nervous, kidney, neurological and reproductive systems.  For this reason, DTSC requires that exporters of e-waste in CA follow certain protocols to ensure that any exported waste are recycled properly (PRC 42476.5).

The recent 60 Minutes report, The Electronic Wasteland, shows the obvious need for more proactive actions by the federal and state governments in enforcing e-waste exports to foreign countries.  While California has taken progressive actions on this issue, with the DTSC disposal ban and requiring accountability from the exporters, the current law excludes all other consumer electronics from the e-waste recycling law.

We strongly urge your support for the expansion California’s successful e-waste recycling law to include all consumer electronics.

Sincerely,

<Name>