CNet: Calif. governor signs e-waste bill

[Atlant]

http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-5082224.html

Calif. governor signs e-waste bill

By Jonathan Skillings
CNET News.com

California Gov. Gray Davis on Thursday signed a bill that imposes fees on computer monitors and television sets to fund recycling efforts, a first in the United States.

The Electronic Waste Recycling Act, a second go-round by State Sen. Byron Sher (D-Stanford), addresses the presence of certain chemicals found in devices that use cathode ray tubes (CRTs), flat-panel screens or other video displays larger than four inches. Substances including mercury, lead and brominated flame retardants, though not harmful while the device is in use, are thought to be hazardous to individuals and the environment if the gear is improperly disposed of.

The bill, which imposes a point-of-sale fee of $6 to $10 per device, is set to go into effect July 1, 2004. The fees also apply to mail order and Internet purchases. The size and nature of such fees has been a major sticking point in discussions among manufacturers, environmental groups and government agencies over the last several years.


A wide range of PC makers, including Dell and Hewlett-Packard, offer recycling services to consumers with costs ranging from zero to about $35.

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[LightTheMatch]

1. Wow.

Man, Gray Davis is really kicking some ass here in the last few weeks.