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CC - Adoption of a Resolution Joining other California Cities, Counties and Local Government Associations in Supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) through Support of Legislative Initiatives and Supporting the Efforts of the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC).
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Meeting Date: June 11, 2018
Contact Person/Dept: Catherine Vargas / Environmental Coordinator, PW
Phone Number: (310) 253-6414
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [x]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [x]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [x] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (06/06/18);
Department Approval: Charles Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer (05/30/18)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution joining other California cities, Counties and Local Government Associations in supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) through support of legislative initiatives and the efforts of the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC).
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 75 percent of today’s waste stream comes from manufactured products including common household items such as televisions, cell phones, personal computers, fluorescent lights and batteries, paint and pesticides. Electronics contain lead, cadmium, and other toxic heavy metals that pose a threat to public health and the environment when disposed improperly. Other products also contain toxic constituents, such as the mercury contained in fluorescent lights, or are packaged with problematic materials and excessive packaging. Other items of concern include hypodermic needles and other medical waste which can injure the public and sanitation workers.
In response to legitimate environmental concerns around landfilling of toxic products, California has enacted landfill bans. In 2006, “Universal Waste” (fluorescent lights, household batteries, electronics, mercury switches, etc.) were banned from landfills. In 2008, “sharps” were banned from landfills because of growing concerns about the presence of prescription and non-prescription drug residues in our waterways.
Under today’s waste management system, the responsibility for managing the end-of-life (EOL) of these products falls on local governments. Many products today are actually designed for disposal, rather than reuse or recycling. It is both the toxicity of the waste stream and the volume of waste that is of concern.
The City must find creative avenues and seek community partnerships to capture the volumes of universal and hazardous waste generated. Currently, Culver City provides free quarterly E-waste events for businesses and residents. Culver City partners with Los Angeles County to promote a yearly Household Hazardous Waste event each June; and Culver City partners with West Hollywood and Beverly Hills to provide outreach and education for oil disposal.
According to the Department of Toxic Substances Control, it is estimated that the statewide percentage of households using local government-sponsored household hazardous waste programs is no more than 5 percent. This means that approximately 95% of the residentially-generated household hazardous waste in California is unaccounted for. The current system is not working and local governments must bear the brunt of the costs to offer expanded services.
EPR offers a solution by engaging producers in the lifecycle management of their products. EPR recognizes that all stakeholders share some responsibility, but the producer has the greatest responsibility because the producer can change the design of products. EPR does not stipulate how producers take responsibility, but rather that they must. This gives producers the flexibility to design programs that work for their product and business model. Producers may choose to utilize and fund existing recycling facilities and programs; or, to create take-back programs; or, to work with other producers to develop third-party ‘product stewardship’ organizations.
California Product Stewardship Council
Several local governments have pledged their support to the CPSC Mission:
To shift California’s product waste management system from one focused on government funded and ratepayer financed waste diversion to one that relies on producer responsibility in order to reduce public costs and drive improvements in product design that promote environmental sustainability.
Statewide EPR legislation will reduce Culver City’s financial burden for ensuring proper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste, Universal Waste and other problematic products and packaging at the end of their useful life. By shifting the financial burden from local government and rate payers to the producers of the products, EPR will benefit our community by driving better, healthier product design that reduces the toxicity and volume of the waste stream. The final goal will be to encourage convenient collection opportunities thru the producer.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Funding in the amount of $1,000.00 for Associate Fees to support the California Product Stewardship Council will be allocated from the Environmental Programs & Operations Refuse Fund, account number 20260400.619800.
ATTACHMENTS
EPR Resolution
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution joining other California cities, Counties and Local Government Associations in supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) through support of legislative initiatives and the efforts of the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC);
2. Support the California Product Stewardship Council by approving an Associate Fee not to exceed $ 1,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2018/2019; and