STEP 5: SPECIAL WASTES

Batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronics and other hazardous materials require special disposal and recycling.

As of February 9, 2006 State law requires all types of household batteries and fluorescent lamps to be recycled. They can no longer be thrown in the trash.

Small quantity generator businesses can take these items to be recycled at the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities (Oakland, Hayward and Livermore) for a small fee.

See www.household-hazwaste.org for more information and schedules.

The regulations banning disposal in the garbage also apply to electronic devices, computers, TV’s and cell phones that the HHW program does not accept.  Many electronic waste recyclers now provide free pick-up services to large buildings.

You can find service providers that may be able to pick-up batteries, fluorescent lamps, and electronic devices at StopWaste.Org’s Recycling Wizard at www.StopWaste.Org/recycle or by calling the Recycling Hotline at (877) STOPWASTE (786-7927). Pick-up services for batteries, fluorescent tubes and other hazardous waste, however, will charge fees for collection.

Sample E-Clean Up Day Letter to Tenants (see appendix):
Sample letter to tenants containing information about the logistics for a periodic electronic equipment collection day (computers, monitors, TV’s, copiers, printers, and fax machines, for example).

For information about construction and demolition debris recycling, see the Constrution/Green Building chapter in this Guide or visit the “Publications” at www.BuildGreenNow.org.

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