Hazardous Waste Disposal
From Assemblymember Loni Hancock, January 24th, 2006
I am writing to make you aware of a
very important change in California law
that is about to go into effect, which
will impact every household in the state:
Beginning February 9, 2006, it will be
illegal to dispose of waste
batteries, electronic devices, fluorescent
light bulbs and mercury-containing thermostats
in the trash. These waste items are known
as "universal wastes" and
must be recycled or taken to a household
hazardous waste disposal facility. Universal
wastes are hazardous wastes that are
generated by several sectors of society,
rather than a single industry or type
of business. Hazardous wastes contain
harmful chemicals, which, if put in the
trash, are harmful to the environment
and public health.
These items include:
Electronic Devices
Televisions and computer
monitors, computers, printers, VCRs,
cell phones, mp3 players, telephones,
radios, and microwave ovens. These devices
often contain heavy metals like lead,
cadmium, copper, and chromium.
Batteries
All batteries of sizes AAA, AA, C, D,
button cell, 9 Volt, and all other batteries,
both rechargeable and single use. These
contain a corrosive chemical that can
cause burns as well as toxic heavy metals
like cadmium.
Fluorescent Tubes and Bulbs
and Other Mercury-Containing Lamps
These
lights contain mercury vapor that may
be released into the environment when
they are broken. Mercury is a toxic metal
that can cause harm to people and animals
including nerve damage and birth defects.
If mercury is released into the environment
it can contaminate the air we breathe
and enter streams, rivers, and the ocean.
To
find out more information on universal
waste and how to dispose of it, please
contact:
In Alameda County
Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste
Program
http://stopwaste.org <http://stopwaste.org/
Or
call 1-800-606-6606
In Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County Household Hazardous
Waste Program
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cd/recycle/
Or
call 1-800-750-4096
Free home pickup of household hazardous
waste from seniors ages 60 and older
and disabled residents of El Sobrante,
El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond
and San Pablo is now available by calling
800/449-7567 for more information and
to make an appointment.
This free collection service is in addition
to West County's drop-off facility for
household hazardous waste available year-round,
every Thursday, Friday and first Saturday
from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed noon
to 12:30 for lunch) at
101 Pittsburg
Avenue
Richmond
Call
888/412-9277 for more information.