The metal shredding industry, which handles toxic waste in Bay Area communities, is attempting to overhaul hazardous waste laws to get a sweetheart carveout from the state.
That is why we strongly urge lawmakers to vote “NO” on Senate Bill 811.
Authored by Senator Caballero (District 14), SB 811 is a dangerous piece of deregulation masquerading as a comprehensive oversight framework. The bill is an industry handout designed to exempt metal shredding facilities from California’s strict hazardous waste laws and allow them to regulate themselves. Senator Caballero represents the Fresno area, which, notably, does not include a metal shredding facility.
But the reality of metal shredding operations is grim. The cars, major appliances, and electronic waste that these facilities process are packed with fire-prone lithium-ion batteries, lead, cadmium, gasoline, and other contaminants. When the volatile compounds at these facilities invariably ignite, they release clouds of harmful smoke. When shredded, they release highly hazardous residues and toxic dust that wind and rain carry straight into surrounding neighborhoods and waterways…