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Carmichael Times

DTSC Inspections Lead to Enforcement Action Against Sacramento County Electronic Waste Recycler

Oct 27, 2017 12:00AM ● By By Russ Edmondson, DTSC

Sacramento, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Superior Court has entered a judgment against California Electronic Asset Recovery (CEAR), an electronic waste recycler in Mather, for hazardous waste management violations.

Under the terms of the judgment, the company will pay the Department of Toxic Substances Control a total of $390,000.

The judgment follows a series of DTSC inspections over a three-year period (2012-14) that found multiple violations of the state’s Hazardous Waste Control Law. DTSC has continued to inspect the facility in recent years and has found no violations.

“Compliance with the hazardous waste law is very important in protecting public health and the environment, and DTSC appreciates CEAR taking the steps necessary to comply with the law,” said Keith Kihara, Chief of DTSC’s Enforcement and Emergency Response Division.

CEAR operates an indoor treatment machine that shreds electronic devices and metal components into small pieces and sorts them. Among the items recycled by CEAR are televisions, monitors and computer equipment.

The company’s violations included the illegal treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste containing lead, cadmium, copper and zinc, among other compounds, and failure to operate its facility in a manner to minimize the release of hazardous waste.

For general inquiries about toxic waste contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control by phone at (800) 728-6942 or visit www.dtsc.ca.gov. To report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, call the Waste Alert Hotline at (800) 698-6942.