AB 218 (Saldaña, 2007-08) Toxic Electronics Phase Out
Summary.
Phases out the use of specified hazardous materials in consumer electronics, consistent with the European Union's ROHs Directive.
Position and Status.
CAW supports. AB 218 was held in Sen. Approps. Previously, the biill passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee May 12 with a 5-2 vote. The bill will next be heard in the Appropriations Committee June 23.
Description.
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. AB 218 excludes fixed installation electrical, or mechanical or both electrical and mechanical devices, including electronic equipment in aeronautical and aerospace applications from the definition of "electronic device." The effective date of the phase out would be January 1, 2010. The proposed definition of CED's and toxic phase out provisions track the requirements ROHS Directive adopted in 2003 by the European Union. (View the ROHS Directive - pdf). This means that any substance for which the RoHS Directive prohibits the sale, or offering for sale of in defined electronic equipment, they will also be banned under California's RoHS. AB 218 is similar to the bill CAW sponsored last year, but was unfortunately vetoed, AB 48.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Current Actions.
No current actions for this bill.
Assembly Member Lori Saldaña
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Allied Waste
Sierra Club
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
Media.
"Cleaning Up E-waste." CA Assembly Report Video. April 11, 2008.