SB927

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that outdated computer equipment poses disposal dilemmas. The cathode ray tubes in computer monitors and televisions contain traces of lead, phosphorous, cadmium, barium, and mercury. When a cathode ray tube is disposed of in a landfill, the chance of breakage is very high. When broken, the hazardous materials pose an environmental risk that could contaminate soil and water.

In 1998, more than twenty million computers hit obsolescence, but only eleven per cent were recycled. By 2005, three hundred fifty million machines reached obsolescence, with at least fifty-five million of them ending up in landfills, according to the National Safety Council. While the United States Environmental Protection Agency regulates large producers of electronic waste, small businesses and consumers are exempt from the regulations.

States and local communities are creating solutions to the potential problems caused by the improper disposal of cathode ray tubes. Massachusetts recently became the first state to forbid the disposal of computer monitors in landfills. California's environmental agencies are encouraging consumers to donate or recycle. Florida has found that cathode ray tubes are the second largest source of lead in Florida's municipal solid waste stream, just behind lead acid batteries. In response, Florida has developed a strategy for managing end-of-life cathode ray tubes that aims to specify the regulatory framework, promote the recycling infrastructure, pursue pilot programs to evaluate various management options, and execute a state recycling contract for use by Florida governmental agencies.

To protect our fragile environment, Hawaii must recognize the need to prohibit inappropriate disposal of cathode ray tubes and establish an environmentally sound solution similar to the lead acid batteries recycling program.

SECTION 2. Chapter 342I, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part . cathode ray tubes

§342I-A Definition. As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Cathode ray tube" means an intact glass tube used to provide the visual display in televisions, computer monitors, oscilloscopes, and similar scientific equipment, but does not include the other components of an electronic product containing a cathode ray tube even if the product and the cathode ray tube are disassembled.

§342I-B Cathode ray tube special wastes recycling program; enforcement. (a) The department of health shall adopt rules to provide for a cathode ray tube special wastes recycling program that shall be operational no later than January 1, 2009. The program shall include the disposal and recycling of cathode ray tubes as defined in section 342I-A.

(b) After January 1, 2009, no person may knowingly place a new or used cathode ray tube in a landfill, municipal solid waste disposal facility or incinerator, or in mixed municipal solid waste. Disposal of cathode ray tubes shall be only as permitted under the cathode ray tube special wastes recycling program established by the department.

(1) Post clearly visible and easy-to-read signs at the facility to inform customers that the disposal and combustion of cathode ray tubes are prohibited;

(2) Inform their customers about the prohibition of cathode ray tube disposal through written notification or contractual agreements as determined by the department; and

(3) Provide information to their customers about collection programs and facilities that are permitted to accept cathode ray tubes for recycling or disposal.

(d) The department shall enforce this part.

§342I-C Cathode ray tubes; retailers. A person selling or offering to sell televisions, computer monitors, and similar equipment using or containing a cathode ray tube for retail sale in the State shall:

(1) Accept, at the point of transfer, in a quantity at least equal to the number of new units purchased, used units from customers, if offered by customers; and

(2) Post written notice that shall be at least five inches by seven inches in size and shall contain the universal recycling symbol and the following language:

(A) "It is illegal to discard a cathode ray tube or equipment containing or using a cathode ray tube";

(B) "Recycle your used cathode ray tubes";

(C) "State law requires us to accept used cathode ray tubes or equipment containing or using cathode ray tubes for recycling, in exchange for new equipment purchased"; and

(D) "The price of a new unit includes disposal of your old unit".

(3) Any advertising pertaining to the price of any equipment containing or using a cathode ray tube shall include the statement "The price includes disposal of your old unit".

(4) For businesses utilizing advertising prepared out of the State a sign no smaller than three square feet, placed at the point of sale stating: "The price of the unit includes disposal of your old unit" may be substituted.

§342I-D Cathode ray tubes; wholesalers. Any person selling new cathode ray tubes or equipment containing or using cathode ray tubes at wholesale shall accept, at the point of transfer, in a quantity at least equal to the number of new units purchased, used units from customers, if offered by customers. Except as otherwise provided at the discretion of the director, a wholesaler accepting units in transfer from a retailer shall be allowed a period not to exceed ninety days to remove the units from the retail point of collection.

§342I-E Recycling. Any person accepting cathode ray tubes or equipment containing or using cathode ray tubes for disposal shall:

(1) Transport the units, intact, to a transfer facility approved by the department; or

(2) Transport the units, intact, to a transfer or disposal facility permitted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

§342I-F Recordkeeping. All facilities accepting five or more cathode ray tubes or equipment containing or using cathode ray tubes, per day shall maintain records for three years that provide, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) The name, phone number, and address of the person from whom the units were received;

(2) The date of receipt of the units; and

(3) The record of shipment indicating the ultimate destination of the units and the date of shipment.

§342I-G Entry and inspection of records. The director of health may enter and inspect any building or place for the purpose of:

(1) Investigating an actual or suspected violation of this part;

(2) Conducting reasonable tests;

(3) Taking samples; and

(4) Reviewing and copying records.

§342I-H Penalties. (a) Any person who violates this part shall be fined not more than $10,000 for each separate offense; provided that the failure to post the notice required under sections 342I-B and 342I-C, following a warning issued by the director of health, shall be subject to a fine of $2,000 for each separate offense. Each unit improperly disposed of or accepted shall constitute a separate offense. The fines imposed pursuant to this subsection shall be cumulative. Remedies shall be by citation, administrative action, or civil action.

(b) Any person who knowingly or wilfully violates this part shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(1) Prevent any violation of this part, any rule adopted pursuant to this part, or any condition of a permit or variance issued pursuant to this part, without the necessity of a prior revocation of the permit or variance;

(2) Impose and collect civil penalties;

(3) Collect administrative penalties; or

(4) Obtain other relief.

The court may grant relief in accordance with the Hawaii rules of civil procedure.

§342I-I Disposition of collected fines and penalties. Fines and penalties collected under this part shall be deposited into the environmental response revolving fund, established by section 128D-2."

SECTION 3. The department of health shall submit a report on the progress made to develop the cathode ray tube special wastes recycling program, including any recommendations for administrative or statutory changes, to the legislature not less than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2008, and annually thereafter until 2010.

SECTION 4. In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2009, provided that section 3 shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	927
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII