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City program expands low-cost hazardous-waste disposal for small businesses, grew from 17 to 400 participants
Summary
A Quality and Productivity Commission award highlighted a joint Bureau of Sanitation and Bureau of Engineering program that allows small businesses generating under 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month to dispose material at low cost; participation rose from 17 to over 400 and the city estimates annual savings exceeding $500,000.
The Quality and Productivity Commission presented an award for a joint Bureau of Sanitation and Bureau of Engineering initiative that reduced disposal costs for businesses qualifying as conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQG).
A video and commission presenters described the program and its results: the CESQG pilot permits city and county businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month to participate in scheduled collection events for low-cost, legal disposal. According to the presentation, participation increased from 17 businesses to over 400 in 18 months. The presenters said the program provides disposal at less than half the cost of alternatives and that it educates businesses about safe handling and storage. The commission estimated savings to the city of more than $500,000 per year.
Judith Wilson, introduced as general manager for the award presentation, asked team members forward and named staff including Marcel Azuniga, Tracy Vos, Lupe Gonzalez, Alfred Tong, Rosalinda DeSantis Castro and Chris Westoff for their roles in hotline operations, program management, technical oversight and legal review.
Presenters said the program obtained approval from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to implement the collection events; they emphasized that the program was implemented without added city cost and strengthened ties with the business community.
