State raises red flags on some green recyclers
A state official says that overall, recyclers are doing "pretty well." Still, four businesses with San Joaquin County connections - including one prominent e-waste collector, as well as a large recycler that recently set up shop here - have been dinged by the Department of Toxic Substances Control over the past three years, according to documents obtained by The Record through a California Public Records Act request.
These companies say they're doing their best to adhere to an exhaustive list of standards.
But the state has called them out for "significant" violations, such as storing busted-up electronics, failing to train employees, leaving broken glass or other hazards and failing to contain toxic materials while prying open gadgets and gizmos.
"First and foremost, we want to make sure the e-waste that are collected are properly managed in a responsible and protective way," said Sue Laney, toxic substances control department's assistant deputy director. "We do not want people coming in to drop off e-waste, or workers at the facility, to be potentially exposed to any of the metals that might be part of the e-waste stream."