Tips for complying with new recycling law

All discarded batteries and other electronic materials are now considered hazardous waste as the result of a new law that went into effect Feb 1. These materials must be recycled in compliance with the campus universal waste management program.

Cell phones, computer equipment, fluorescent lights, thermostats and microwaves also fall under this category and need to be recycled.

Sacramento State environmental specialist Bob Hitomi said people with any waste items on campus can call the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 278-6456. Hitomi said batteries can be packaged in sturdy envelopes and sent to Environmental Health and Safety via campus mail. For all lead-acid automotive batteries, students and employees should contact the office for pickup.

To dispose of these materials off campus, residents should contact their local household hazardous waste drop-off center. Sacramento county residents can call (916) 875-5555 or visit the center’s website at: http://www.msa.saccounty.net/sacgreenteam/hazardous/residents.htm.

For a complete list of hazardous waste items visit: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/EWaste/upload/HWM_FS_UWR.pdf

For more information contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at (916) 278-6456.