Report 2008-112 Recommendation 2 Responses

Report 2008-112: Electronic Waste: Some State Agencies Have Discarded Their Electronic Waste Improperly, While State and Local Oversight Is Limited (Release Date: November 2008)

Recommendation #2 To: Justice, Department of

To avoid contaminating the environment through the inappropriate discarding of electronic devices, state agencies should ascertain whether the electronic devices that require disposal can go into the trash. Alternatively, state agencies could treat all electronic devices they wish to discard as universal waste and recycle them.

Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2011

It has always been the department's policy to properly dispose of unwanted or damaged equipment. In April 2010, the department's policy was revised and more clearly outlines what we consider to be e-waste and how it should be disposed of. A copy of this policy from the department's Administrative Manual (sections 11262 and 11263) is attached for your reference. As with all administrative policies, there is an ongoing effort to ensure education and compliance, especially with staff turnover. The department Property Controller actively works with the field property custodians throughout the state to help them identify an appropriate means of disposal for all surveyed equipment. (See 2010-041, p. 151)

California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented

1-Year Agency Response

Justice stated that it continues to educate staff regarding the proper disposal of all waste and surplus items, including e-waste. It also stated that it is still in the process of revising its property control manual that will further emphasize the proper disposal and documentation of all assets. Justice indicated that conflicting priorities and staff shortages have delayed completion of this manual until February 2010. (See 2010-406, p. 98)

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Partially Implemented

All Recommendations in 2008-112

Agency responses received after June 2013 are posted verbatim.