California has passed a new law (S.B. 489) stating the legislature’s intent to encourage the solar PV industry to support PV equipment recycling by “developing a plan for recycling end-of-life photovoltaic modules in the state in an economically efficient manner.” The new law also authorizes the Department of Toxic Substances Control to designate as “universal wastes” end-of-life PV modules identified as hazardous waste, and to subject those PV modules to “universal waste” management. The term “universal wastes” refers to certain wastes widely produced by households and businesses (e.g., batteries, certain televisions, CFLs) that are subject to different and simpler transportation, recycling and disposal rules than other hazardous wastes.

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