U.S. Electronics Recycling Fees: State Programs for TVs, Monitors, and Electronic Devices
Reference for U.S. state electronics recycling and e-waste disposal programs. Twenty-five states plus D.C. have e-waste recycling laws; California is the only state that charges a consumer-facing fee at point of sale.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
Twenty-five U.S. states and the District of Columbia have enacted electronics recycling or e-waste laws. Programs generally follow one of two models: Advance Recycling Fees (ARF), where consumers pay a fee at the time of purchase, or Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where manufacturers fund collection and recycling infrastructure. California is currently the only state that charges a point-of-sale recycling fee on electronics (the Covered Electronic Waste fee on video display devices). For online merchants selling TVs, monitors, and other electronics, understanding which states require consumer-facing fees versus manufacturer-funded programs is essential for checkout compliance.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
8 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| California (CEW — screens 4–15 inches) | $4.00 per device |
| California (CEW — screens 15–35 inches) | $5.00 per device |
| California (CEW — screens 35 inches+) | $6.00 per device |
| Connecticut (EPR) | No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program |
| New York (EPR) | No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program |
| Washington (EPR) | No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program |
| Oregon (EPR) | No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program |
| Other EPR states (20+ states) | No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded programs |
California (CEW — screens 4–15 inches)
$4.00 per device
Video display devices with screens larger than 4 inches but less than 15 inches measured diagonally (tablets, laptops, small monitors)
Fee must be separately stated on invoices. Retailers must register with CDTFA. Rate effective since January 1, 2020.
California (CEW — screens 15–35 inches)
$5.00 per device
Video display devices with screens 15 inches to less than 35 inches measured diagonally (monitors, small TVs)
California (CEW — screens 35 inches+)
$6.00 per device
Video display devices with screens 35 inches or larger measured diagonally (large TVs, commercial displays)
Connecticut (EPR)
No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program
Computers, monitors, TVs, laptops, and printers
Manufacturers must register and fund collection programs; consumers can drop off covered electronics at designated sites for free
New York (EPR)
No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program
Computers, monitors, TVs, laptops, and small electronics
Manufacturers must offer free and convenient collection for consumers
Washington (EPR)
No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program
Computers, monitors, TVs, laptops, and portable devices
Manufacturers pay fees to the E-Cycle Washington program based on their share of covered products sold in the state
Oregon (EPR)
No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded program
Computers, monitors, TVs, and printers
Oregon E-Cycles program provides free drop-off at collection sites statewide
Other EPR states (20+ states)
No consumer-facing fee — manufacturer-funded programs
Covered electronics vary by state; typically includes TVs, computers, monitors, and laptops
Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and others operate EPR programs. Retailers generally have no fee collection obligation in these states.
Enforcement
In California, retailers who fail to collect and remit the CEW recycling fee face enforcement from CDTFA, including penalties and interest. In EPR states, manufacturers who fail to register or fund recycling programs face fines from state environmental agencies. Retailers in EPR states may face liability if they sell products from non-compliant manufacturers.
What merchants get wrong
The biggest confusion: California is the only U.S. state that charges a consumer-facing fee at checkout. Twenty-five states plus D.C. have e-waste laws, but most use Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—manufacturers fund recycling, and retailers have no fee to collect. Merchants selling electronics nationwide often assume they must add a recycling fee everywhere; in reality, only California requires a point-of-sale fee on video display devices. Screen size tiers ($4/$5/$6) also trip people up—measure diagonally. And don't confuse this with the battery-embedded (CBE) fee: that's a separate California program for products with built-in batteries.
Official sources
Related guides
Step-by-step guides for charging u.s. electronics and e-waste recycling fees on Shopify.
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- State Electronics Recycling and E-Waste Laws
- Country
- United States
- Jurisdictions
- 8
- Category
- Recycling Fees
Explore U.S. Electronics and E-Waste Recycling Fees in practice
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Related use cases
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Reference for provincial electronics handling fees (EHFs) and recycling programs in Canada. Several provinces charge point-of-sale fees on designated electronics; rates vary by product and province.
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Reference for U.S. state appliance recycling and disposal fee programs, including advance disposal fees on new appliance purchases and mandatory retailer take-back requirements.
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Reference for California's Covered Battery-Embedded (CBE) Waste Recycling Fee requiring a 1.5% charge (capped at $15) on eligible products with built-in batteries, effective January 1, 2026.
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View fee schedule →Can't find what you're looking for?
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