RCRC is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 501, authored by Senator Benjamin Allen (D-Santa Monica) with the National Stewardship Action Council. This measure establishes an extended producer responsibility program for manufacturers of certain types of products that become household hazardous wastes at the end of their useful lives.
Under SB 501, manufacturers of pesticides, aerosols, oxidizers, cleaners, adhesives, solvents, lubricants, compressed gas, lithium batteries, and vapes must provide a free and convenient collection and management system for those products. These products require special handling and disposal because of the risks they pose to the environment if improperly thrown in the trash, poured down storm drains, or released into the environment.
Local governments are responsible for the operation of local household hazardous waste collection programs, which offer residents free drop-off opportunities for HHW. These programs are expensive and put serious financial pressure on both the programs and local governments that operate them. The cost for local governments to manage some types of household hazardous waste can often approach or exceed the initial purchase price that consumers pay at the point of sale.
RCRC is co-sponsoring SB 501 because it ensures that manufacturers bear financial responsibility for the management and disposal of the products they introduce into the stream of commerce. By compelling manufacturers to bear responsibility for these costs, and making proper disposal opportunities more convenient for residents, SB 501 will drive manufacturers to improve product design to make those products safer and easier to manage at the end of their useful lives.
RCRC’s letter in support can be found here and a presentation on HHW management costs and challenges can be found here.
RCRC is asking for support letters from our counties to help bolster our advocacy efforts. A template support letter found here.
For questions or additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy.