Law on toxic trash surprises officials

But city anticipates few problems conforming to new state rules on waste. All Californians must now dispose of batteries, electronics and fluorescent light tubes at designated recycling centers or hazardous waste collection centers.

The new disposal requirements are for garbage known as “universal waste,” which includes mercury thermostats, fluorescent lights, cathode ray tubes from computer monitors and televisions, and other junk containing mercury or heavy metals.

The rule change came as a surprise to Laguna Beach Public Works Director Steve May, who noted that Laguna’s hiring freeze has left the city without a solid-waste coordinator.

“I don’t think there are going to be any problems,” he said. “The city has containers to dispose of batteries and fluorescent tubes.”

Universal waste has low levels of hazardous metals that can contaminate soil and groundwater, according to the state EPA.

Since 2002, homeowners and small-business owners have been exempt from the state’s universal waste rule to give local agencies more time to develop disposal centers.

The exemptions ended Thursday after the state Department of Toxic Substance Control refused to extend the deadline.

Laguna Beach is one of a few local cities with curbside service for hazardous waste. Curbside Inc. will pick up the materials by appointment. An appointment can be made by calling 1-800-HHW-PKUP (449-7587).

For information on universal waste, call (916) 322-7676 or visit at www.dtsc.ca.gov/ hazardouswaste/universal waste/index.cfm.