The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (act) requires a retailer selling a covered electronic device, including a covered battery-embedded product, as defined, in this state to collect from a consumer at the time of retail sale a covered electronic waste recycling fee, as specified. The act imposes certain obligations on a manufacturer of a covered electronic device sold in the state. Existing law requires a manufacturer of a covered electronic device that is a covered battery-embedded product, as defined, to provide a specified notice to any retailer that sells that product informing the retailer that the covered battery-embedded product is subject to a recycling fee, as provided. Existing law requires the notices to identify the covered electronic device by brand and model number.

Existing law incorporates the requirements and other provisions of the act by reference as requirements and provisions of the hazardous waste control laws. The act also expressly authorizes the Department of Toxic Substances Control to enforce the act, and all regulations adopted pursuant to the act, through the hazardous waste control laws. A violation of the hazardous waste control laws is a crime.

Existing law sets forth definitions for purposes of the act.

This bill would define a “universal product code” to mean an all-numeric code that represents a consumer package of a particular brand, size, type, and manufacturer by using a series of alternating bars and spaces for electronic scanning. The bill would also set forth unspecified definitions of a “discount store” and a “thrift store” for purposes of the act.