Sample Letter

Assembly Member Lori Saldaña
State Capitol, Room 3132
Sacramento, CA 95814
FAX: (916) 319-2176

RE: AB 2202 Restriction of Hazardous Substances Extension—(Support)

Dear Assembly Member Saldaña,

I am writing in support of AB 2202, which would phase out the use of hazardous materials in all consumer electronics

Extraordinarily, California disposes over 515,000 tons of electronic waste every year into municipal landfills. The Department of Toxic Substances Control has determined that most electronic devices are toxic, and as of February of this year were banned from landfills under the state’s Universal Waste Regulation. Unfortunately, since that ban became effective, California is no where close to 100 percent compliance of that law, and consumers are still disposing toxic e-waste into landfills.

Compounding the problem of the growing e-waste volume is the presence of toxic levels of hazardous materials in many of these devices. According to the US EPA, approximately 70% of the toxic heavy metals found in landfills come from electronic wastes.  Most electronic devices include mercury, lead, cadmium and other carcinogenic substances, which can damage nervous, kidney, neurological and reproductive systems.

In 2003, the legislature adopted SB 20 (Sher), the E-waste Recycling Act, which included a provision establishing a phase out of the use of specified toxic materials in ‘covered electronic devices’ (CED’s), effective January 1, 2007. CED’s are currently limited to electronic devices containing a screen larger than 4 inches. This measure would amend the definition of CED’s to include virtually all consumer electronics consistent with the European Union’s Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.

As a constituent I urge you to vote "YES" on this bill as it comes before you.  Thank you in advance for your assistance on this crucial issue.

Sincerely,

c.c.       Californians Against Waste (FAX) 916-443-3912