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Governor Vetoes Bill to Prevent Sale of Toxic Electronics

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have prevented the sale of electronic products that contain certain toxins. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Governor Vetoes Bill to Prevent Sale of Toxic Electronics

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have prevented the sale of electronic products that contain certain toxins. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Most cell phones and other electronic products we use every day are made with toxic substances like lead, cadmium and mercury. The EPA says most of the toxic heavy metals found in landfills are from electronic waste.

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San Diego Assemblywoman Lori Saldana says she's surprised the governor vetoed her bill to keep those harmful toxins from polluting our landfills.

Saldana : We really worked with industry. We had statewide support from the waste management companies that thought this was going in the right direction of keeping hazardous materials out of the waste stream.

The bill would have required electronics manufacturers to phase out the hazardous materials in their products by 2010. The European Union passed a similar law last year. Saldana says she plans to bring back a toxic and electronic waste bill in the next legislation session.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.