Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Jim Eggemeyer, Director, Office of Sustainability
Subject: Adopt an Ordinance amending the San Mateo County Ordinance Code by adding Chapter 5.77 establishing responsible recycling standards for electronic waste
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt an ordinance amending the San Mateo County Ordinance Code adding Chapter 5.77 of Title 5 of the San Mateo County Ordinance code, "Responsible Recycling of Electronic Waste," previously introduced on October 17, 2017, and waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2003, the California Legislature passed Senate Bills 20 and 50, the Electronic Waste Recycling Act and Covered Electronic Waste Payment System. This legislation established a funding system for the collection and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste). The State's e-waste recycling program provides payment for the recycling of televisions and computer monitors, so non-profit organizations, schools, and churches often use e-waste recycling events as a means of fundraising. The recycling of other e-waste is not eligible for State payment, including items with a printed circuit board or a power source (e.g., a toaster or curling iron). However, e-waste that is ineligible for State payment still contains valuable components and is typically dismantled for metals and other materials.
Once e-waste has been collected by groups or individuals (collectors), it is then either self-hauled or transported by a contracted hauler to an e-waste recycler. Recyclers process the e-waste in different ways (disassembling, smelting, shredding) and may ship waste to a number of destinations depending upon market conditions. If improperly processed, e-waste can contaminate the solid waste stream; pollute the air, soil, and groundwater; and expose handlers to harmful working conditions. Because of low labor costs and lax health and safety ...
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