eWaste Matrix

This compliance matrix provides an overview of legislation across the United States that requires retailers to manage waste electronic products such as digital video disk (DVD) players, video cassette recorders (VCRs), compact disc (CD) players, global positioning systems (GPS), digital video recorders (DVRs), and other electronics that contain cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. Display technologies involved in such products also may be plasma, digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), silicon crystal reflective display (SXRD), or light emitting diode (LED).

Note that, in general, when states require retailer participation in manufacturer "take-back" programs, the retailer is not required to collect used electronic devices from consumers. Responsibility for collection (or take-back) of a used product is usually only required when the retailer is also the manufacturer of the electronic device being sold. In such cases, collection by the manufacturer/retailer does not necessarily have to be at the retailer sales outlet. Most states give a retailer that is not also the manufacturer the choice of entering into arrangements with the manufacturer to collect used electronic devices on behalf of the manufacturer.

Some states allow certain electronic devices to be managed as a universal waste, such as CRTs, computers, fax machines, VCRs, and televisions. This table includes information on these universal waste regulations for electronics.

This matrix only includes states that have a manufacturer electronics take-back program, regulations that ban the disposal of electronics in solid waste landfills, and/or designation of electronics as universal wastes.

The overview provided in this table is for informational purposes only. Because of the summary nature of the table, it cannot capture all the nuances of the relevant regulations. It may therefore be important to consult the regulations directly and/or to seek legal advice on particular issues as they may arise.