Photovoltaic Modules (PV modules) – Universal Waste Management Regulations

Public Seminar on Universal Waste and Proposed Regulations for the Management of Waste Photovoltaic Modules as Universal Waste

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) held a public informational seminar on March 25, 2019 and presented information on California’s Universal Waste Program and the proposed regulations to include waste photovoltaic modules (PV modules), commonly known as solar panels, on the list of hazardous wastes eligible to be managed as universal waste. The informational session offered the opportunity for public discussion and to familiarize people with California’s Universal Waste Program and the proposal for PV modules. The recording of the seminar and pdf version of the presentation are available below.

DTSC intends to public notice the rulemaking package on April 19, 2019, which will begin the formal rulemaking process.

Photovoltaic Modules Seminar Recording

Photovoltaic Modules Seminar Presentation

Photovoltaic Modules Seminar – Agenda

Photovoltaic Modules Seminar Notice

Text of Proposed Regulations

On October 1, 2015, SB 489 (Monning, Chapter 419) was enacted to add section 25259 to Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.5, Article 17, which authorizes the Department to adopt regulations to designate end-of-life photovoltaic modules that are identified as hazardous waste as a universal waste and subject those modules to universal waste management.

PV Modules (also known as solar panels) – Universal Waste Management Regulations Development had workshops in July 2016 and August 2017. The purpose of the workshop was to provide the public with an opportunity to review the draft proposed regulations and provide feedback prior to DTSC beginning a formal rulemaking process on the management of end-of-life PV modules.

Materials from these workshops can be found below.

• Draft Regulations text
• DTSC Presentation
• Workshop Recording

Solar Panels Information and FAQs

• Draft Regulations text
• DTSC Presentation
• SEIA Industry Overview

Proposed Regulations Draft Text 20132014