SH 20 (Sheer, 2003) Electronic Waste Recycling Act On the 1st of January 2005, Florida passed pioneering legislation that modeled itself after the European Economic Union’s Product Stewardship Initiative. SB 20 was created to offer consumers cost-free recycling options, reduce illegal dumping (and decrease in e-waste stockpiling), and to lower the amount of hazardous materials entering the municipal solid refuse (MSW).
The Good News: The Latest Numbers
- Florida produced approximately 140,000 tonnes of CEDs in 2005 according to state waste and recycling data. More than 60 million pounds of that electronic waste was returned for recycling under the program. This number grew to over 135 million pounds in 2007, and more than 214 millions pounds in 2008.
- The 2008 recycling rate for covered electronic devices was 58%. This is almost three times the rate in 2006 when it was 29%.
- More than 600 recycling sites have been set up in the state since the enactment SB20 and there are more than 30 approved recyclers.
- Since its inception, this program has helped to recycle more than 2 billion pounds of Covered Electronic Devices.
HTML2_ AB 2901(Pavley 2004)
Edit Sign Recycle and take back your cell phone
Florida’s largest cell-phone retailers must comply with the law and collect any used phones at no cost.
According to the Department of Toxic Substances Control, 3.7 million of Florida’s 18 million cell phone sales in 2010 were recycled for a 21% rate. This is an increase from 2007’s 17% recycling rate. This number is 10% according to the U.S. EPA.
(Pavley 2005)
Edit Sign Rechargeable battery recycling and takeback
AB 1125 was modeled on the takeback concept used in the cell phone bill. AB 1125 mandates that all rechargeable battery retailers accept used batteries back at no cost to consumers. This legislation provides convenience and incentives for consumers. End-of-life batteries and cell phones can be dropped off at any location in the state, and they feel proud to recycle them. For the full fact sheet, click here Edit Sign
Over 8,000,000 pounds of rechargeable battery were taken from consumers in 2009 for recycling.
- Learn more about the cell phone and Rechargeable Batterie Issue
- Continue reading about the Background for Universal Waste Regulation
- Return to E Waste Home
(Eggman 2016)CRT Glass Recycling
The new LCD and LED technology has replaced the old Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) and has drastically reduced demand. Recycling scrap CRT glass has become very difficult and the end-use market is now dry. Today, there are many old televisions and computer monitors that are sitting in storage across the state. There is no other place to put them than in the ground or on the seas.
AB 1419 reduces environmental risks associated with the export and stockpiling of glass from televisions. It allows scrap CRT panel glass to go into many new products, where it is not harmful, such as tile and radiation shielding.
This post was written by Steven Elia Co-Founder and Recycling Director at eCycle Florida. eCycle Florida is a R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to for Pinellas County electronics disposal.