FlexiFeesCalifornia eWaste recycling fee on Shopify
Last updated: July 18, 2026 · Program per CDTFA
California's Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Fee applies to video display devices with screens over 4 inches, in three screen-size tiers set by the CDTFA. On Shopify, classify devices with a product metafield, create one fixed per-product fee per tier, and limit them to customer state CA. Each covered device then carries its tier's fee as a line item.
The rule in FlexiFees (one tier shown)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Fee title | eWaste Recycling Fee |
| Calculation | Fixed amount, per product fee |
| Amount | The current CDTFA tier amount |
| SKU | CEW-CA |
| Conditions (match all) | Product metafield is one of custom.screen_class:medium · Customer state is one of CA |
Why a metafield instead of tags? Screen size is structured data you may already store; the metafield condition reads it directly (enable Storefront access on the definition). Tags work just as well if you prefer.
Other ways to target electronics
- By product category. If your products have Shopify's Category field set, the product category condition can select a whole device category, subcategories included, without tagging. Screen-size tiers still need a metafield, tag or product type to tell them apart.
- By weight. For recycling programs outside California that charge by weight (common for appliances), use a Per weight fee per kilogram or per pound as a per-product fee, so each device pays for its own weight.
- By a class stored per product. A number in a metafield can drive the amount directly with Per unit of metafield, or a formula such as
if(pmf("custom.screen_inches") > 35, 3, 1) * qtywith your program's amounts.
The three tiers
| Screen size | Metafield value | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| More than 4, less than 15 inches | small | Current CDTFA schedule: CDTFA eWaste guide |
| 15 to 35 inches | medium | |
| More than 35 inches | large |
The CDTFA adjusts tier amounts; take the current schedule from their guide and enter it as the three fee amounts. Out-of-state retailers registered for California use tax collect this fee too.