Do you have an old computer monitor sitting in your closet or garage? If so, you're not alone. California households hold an estimated 6 million obsolete computer monitors and TV sets with 10,000 more joining them every day. Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), the glass "picture tubes" in monitors, TVs and other video display devices contain hazardous levels of lead, a potent toxin. Appropriately, their disposal in solid waste landfills has been banned by state toxics regulators.

Finding a way to safely recycle these old electronic devices is difficult; at present, only an estimated 10% are being recycled. Others are dumped illegally or shipped to developing nations where laborers are paid as little as $1.50 a day to dismantle poisonous components by hand with no protective gear. Open burning of these toxic electronic wastes fouls the air and water in places like China.

SB 20 is one of Sierra Club California's top priorities of the year. The bill is sponsored by Californians Against Waste and has won the support of numerous local governments, recyclers, consumer groups, labor unions and waste haulers. The State Senate has already approved the bill but opposition from the electronics industry will make Assembly passage difficult.

You can help by writing to your Assembly Member (at the State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814) and urging a yes vote on SB 20.