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CIWMBE-Waste Update

CIWMB Working GroupDecember 2001

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This Item Will…Summarize evolving e-waste

issues.

Provide overview of current staff activities.

Identify future challenges.

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The E-Waste ChallengeE-waste is loosely defined as electronic products

nearing the end of their “useful life.”

E-waste – currently 2%-5% of nation’s waste stream – is one of the fastest growing segments.

The end-of-life management infrastructure is inadequate.

CRTs cannot be disposed in municipal landfills.

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E-Waste ManagementObsolete electronics burden infrastructure and

challenge future management strategies

Much can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.

Some components may be hazardous if not managed correctly.

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E-Waste ManagementConsumers awareness is increasing.

To meet the e-waste challenge:> some communities are initiating e-waste

collection programs; > some manufacturers are developing

recovery programs; and > some innovative companies are finding

new uses for old electronic equipment.

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Addressing the E-Waste

ChallengeCurrent Activities

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Current E-Waste Activities

The CIWMB E-Waste Working Group

Identify Recovery Infrastructure

Support State & Local Agencies

Provide Local Enforcement Agency Assistance

Coordinate Information Management

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The CIWMB E-Waste Working Group

E-waste management affects all Divisions within the Board.

Staff from throughout the Board have joined together to coordinate their activities and to share information.

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E-Waste Working GroupMeets regularly to discuss current events,

share new information, examine changes in laws or procedures, and work on internal coordination issues.

This group also coordinates and shares information with DTSC staff.

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IdentifyingRecovery Infrastructure

The Board conducted a study to better understand existing generation and capacity issues.

Staff is compiling and providing information on existing reuse and recycling options.

The Board has issued an RFP to support the Board’s role in the NEPSI process.

The RMDZ program is assisting e-waste recycling businesses

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SupportingState & Local Agencies

Procurement and End-of-Life Management Guidelines – Interagency Agreement

Best Management Practices – Concept ApprovedHHW and Reuse Assistance GrantsLocal Event Support

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AssistingLocal Enforcement

AgenciesThe Board provides ongoing outreach, assistance and

guidance to LEAs regarding proper oversight of waste management at solid waste operations and facilities where e-waste accumulates.

The Board has distributed letters and “All-LEA” e-mail alerts of changes in law and/or interpretations.

Future “LEA Advisory” planned upon adoption of permanent DTSC regulations.

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Managing InformationElectronic Product Management Web Site

Materials Collection Database

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Managing InformationSelected E-Waste Diversion in California: A

Baseline Study

Baseline Research Report on Universal Waste

Public and LEA Outreach Efforts

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A Brief Regulatory History of

Cathode Ray TubesProvided by:

Department of Toxic Substance Control

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CRT RegulationsPrior to 2000: Few people knew CRTs contained toxic

constituents at hazardous concentrations and therefore CRTs were routinely disposed to the trash.

1999/2000: New research indicated that CRTs contain lead levels sufficient to meet the federal hazardous waste criteria.

March, 2001: In a response letter to the Materials for the Future Foundation, DTSC clarified that "CRTs meet the existing hazardous waste criteria and should be handled as hazardous waste."

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Effect of ClarificationThe letter did not change existing regulations in any way.

The letter increased public awareness that CRTs are hazardous waste and may not be disposed of in municipal solid waste landfills (CRTs may be disposed to Class I solid waste landfills).

In August, 2001, emergency regulations were adopted by DTSC classifying CRTs as a universal waste when recycled.

This change reduced the management requirements for CRTs, but maintained the prohibition on municipal landfill disposal .

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Future of E-Waste Management

Where do we go from here?

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Stakeholder ChallengesLocal Governments

Program/HHW fundingEducation and outreach informationShifting “illegal” disposal

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Stakeholder ChallengesLEA Needs

Timely, accurate information – options and resourcesDocumentation that supports new policiesRegulatory clarityDefinition of roles and authority – possible cross

media approachIllegal dumping assistance

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Stakeholder ChallengesIndustry Concerns

Both Manufacturers and RecyclersEvolving concept of stewardshipMarkets – Domestic vs. overseas Regulatory uncertainty

Environmental Community ConcernsToxics in products / Phase out hazardsZero waste / DFE / Internalized costsHazardous exports / Off-shore environmental standards

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Future E-Waste Issues Funding for collection and management

programs will continue to be a concern. Outreach and assistance to stakeholders is

critical to ensure proper materials management and avoid improper disposal.

Coordination with DTSC and other government entities is vital to success.

Continued participation in national product stewardship dialogs can help shape the future of E-waste management in California.

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NEPSI Goals“…the development of a system, which includes

a viable financing mechanism, to maximize the collection, reuse, and recycling of used electronics, while considering appropriate incentives to design products that facilitate source reduction, reuse and recycling; reduce toxicity; and increase recycled content”.

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Looking Ahead As the Working Group and respective programs

continue to respond to evolving issues, what questions does the Board have?