Californians may have to pay a bit more for their Playstation Portables. Under the Electronic Waste Recycling Act, which went into effect July 1, 2004, all devices that have an LCD that is 4-inches or bigger need to charge an environmental hazards fee to cover the disposal of all of that lead and other toxins in the display.

Funny thing is that no one at the game stores seem to be aware of this $6 tax, opening up the possibility that companies like EB Games, Gamestop and anyone else selling the portable sans tax, could face some hefty fines.

I talked to a spokesman for the California Integrated Waste Management Board a few minutes ago, and he confirmed that any device that the PSP seems to be covered by the law. He also sounded concerned that retailers were apparently oblivious to that fact.

Under the law, retailers could face a $2,500 to $5,000 fine for ever PSP sold without the fee. A $25,000 fine can also be imposed against the manufacturer for failing to comply with the law as well.

I'll have more for you as this potentially serious hang-up continues to unravel. I expect to hear back from the Waste Management board spokesman today, who is verifying that the PSP is taxable, and how retailers are being notified at the last minute. No luck in reaching Sony yet.

SB 20 [State of California]

Ed's note: Update, it's all so very confusing.

Make sure you read our Live Blogging of the PSP.

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