Feb 23 - Bill would Require Phase out of Toxics in Electronics

California would require manufacturers to phase out the use of hazardous materials in making cell phones, iPods and other electronic devices under a bill introduced by a state lawmaker. AB 2202 by Assembly Member Lori Saldana, a Democrat from San Diego, would apply to any electronic or battery-operated device. The bill, which is sponsored by Californians Against Waste, would require manufacturers to stop using the substances in devices sold in California by 2008.

"We know that the manufacturers of these products are able to produce them without including harmful toxic materials," Saldana said in a written statement. " California deserves to be included among the markets that receive this cleaner stream of consumer electronics."

The measure builds on California's existing Electronics Waste Recycling Law (SB 20, Sher), which requires manufacturers of computer monitors and televisions to phase out the use of specified toxic materials. The policies are modeled after the European Union ROHS directive, which requires a phase out in the use of toxic materials in virtually all electronics.

Lanh Nguyen