Trash disposal now a little more complex

At one time, trash meant setting a garbage can out in the front yard. Then, more than a decade ago, "recyclables" were thrown into - and later separated from - the mix. Now comes "e-waste." Actually, as of Thursday, it goes to the recycling center. In the Know: Identification and disposalWhat is electronic waste?Most technological gadgets fall under the new law, including: Televisions and computer monitors Telephones and answering machines Computers and computer peripherals Video record and play equipment Stereo record and play equipment Calculators Radios Batteries Cell phonesFor information on the recycling law and disposal sites, visit the Web site http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/UniversalWaste/index.cfm or call (916)-543-3960.Where to take your electronic wasteWestern Placer Waste Management Authority Material Recovery FacilityWhere: 3195 Athens Road, near Fiddyment and Athens roads, one mile west of Thunder Valley Casino When: Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Call: (916) 645-5180 Auburn-Placer Disposal Service Recycling Center Where: 12305 Shale Ridge Road, AuburnWhen: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. dailyCall: (530) 885-3735Source: Western Placer Waste Management AuthorityA new law makes it illegal for households and businesses to throw used batteries, cellular phones, fluorescent lights and other household hazardous materials into the garbage. The bad news is it's now illegal and tossing e-waste can carry a stiff financial penalty. The good news is that e-waste can be disposed of free in Placer County.E-waste takes many forms and the challenge for state officials will be getting the word out to residents and businesses."We're also talking about fluorescent tubes and electrical devices and electrical switches that contain mercury," said Ron Baker, spokesman for the California Department of Toxic substance control. "Also non-empty aerosol cans like hairspray and oven cleaner. We don't want those into the trash either."The ban on so-called e-waste, instituted by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, requires customers to take such material to local centers that are specially equipped to handle the potentially toxic agents they contain. Michelle Jesiolowski, spokeswoman for the Western Placer Waste Management Authority, said Friday that customers in the Auburn area can dispose of their e-waste for free."Electronic waste will be taken free any day of the week," she said.The Lincoln waste management facility is open seven days a week and the transfer station in Auburn is open Monday through Friday, she said.Fear not, those in charge of policing the trash understand that new rules and regulations take some getting used to."We don't have the resources or the manpower to go door-to-door to ensure Joe and Sally California aren't throwing away batteries," Baker said. "We're not anticipating that tomorrow every household is going to be aware of this law. We're looking at this in the long-term."Jesiolowski said it is possible that "haulers," the people who pick up trash cans, will check the garbage cans for e-waste and if they find items not permitted, will most likely leave the homeowner a note and remove the questionable items from the trash.If small businesses are caught dumping the wrong stuff, there are possible fines."They are subject to penalties for illegal disposal of hazardous waste," Baker said. "They can be assessed up to $25,000 per violation per day, according to state law."He added that it is rare to charge anyone the full fine, but the department does take into consideration the harm that the disposal could cause the environment.E-waste often contains valuable materials such copper, gold and zinc that can be recycled. Other heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium can pose a threat to public health and the environment. The Department of Toxic Substances Control said it initially will focus enforcement efforts on illegal dumping and serious violations involving large quantities of waste. The Journal's Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com.