CA AB1238
This bill focuses on setting standards for the collection, reuse, and recycling of solar panels.
Summary:
Existing law requires the Department of Toxic Substances Control to adopt regulations for the identification and management of hazardous wastes. Existing law authorizes the department to adopt regulations designating end-of-life photovoltaic modules that are identified as hazardous waste as a universal waste and subject to regulations applicable to universal waste management. A violation of the Hazardous Waste Control Law, including a regulation adopted pursuant to that law, is a crime.
This bill would require the department to develop alternative management standards for managing photovoltaic modules. The bill would specify parameters for the standards, including, but not limited to, that they promote the safe collection, reuse, and recycling of photovoltaic modules. The bill would require the department to hold at least one public workshop to discuss concepts for the standards with stakeholders before submitting an initial statement of reasons to the Office of Administrative Law. Because a violation of regulations adopted by the department under these provisions would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.