HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 24-08 Extended Producer Resp Support
RESOLUTION NO. 24 - 08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
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EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY SUPPORT
WHEREAS, on February 8, 2006, California's Universal Waste Rule (CCR, Title 22, Division
4.5, Chapter 23) became effective; and
WHEREAS, the Universal Waste Rule bans landfill disposal of universal waste that is deemed
hazardous, such as household batteries, fluorescent bulbs or tubes, thermostats, and other items that
contain mercury, as well as electronic devices, including video cassette recorders, microwave ovens,
cellular phones, cordless phones, printers, and radios; and
WHEREAS, universal waste management costs are currently funded by the residential rate payers
of the City of Dublin and costs are expected to increase in the short-term unless policy changes are made;
and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that the list of universal waste determined to be hazardous and
therefore banned from landfills will continue to grow with the burden to manage these universal wastes
falling on the ratepayers of local jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the California Integrated Waste
Management Board, and the California Product Stewardship Council are spearheading a campaign to
increase awareness about the escalating costs of universal waste disposal to local governments; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dublin supports statewide efforts to hold producers accountable for
universal waste management costs; and
WHEREAS, there are significant environmental and human health impacts associated with
improper management of universal waste; and
WHEREAS, since local government ratepayers, rather than product manufacturers, currently bear
the costs to properly manage universal waste, local governments are in effect subsidizing the production
of universal waste; and
WHEREAS, extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach in which producers
assume responsibility for management of waste products; and
WHEREAS, when producers are responsible for ensuring their products are recycled responsibly,
and when health and environmental costs are included in the product price, there is a strong incentive to
design and purchase goods that are more durable, easier to recycle, and less toxic; and
WHEREAS, it is timely to develop and support EPR legislation to address product stewardship
for hazardous products currently banned from landfill disposal and those which will be added to the list of
banned items in the future; and
WHEREAS, the California Integrated Waste Management Board is currently considering
sponsoring EPR legislation.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin hereby
urges its legislative representatives to support extended producer responsibility legislation that shifts
universal waste management costs from local government to the producer of the product, which will give
producers an incentive to redesign products to make them less toxic and easier to recycle; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin hereby authorizes the
Mayor to send a letter to the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties, and
the California Integrated Waste Management Board to urge support for extended producer responsibility
legislation.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of February, 2008.
AYES: Councilmembers Hildenbrand, Oravetz, Scholz, and Mayor Lockhart
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sbranti
ABSTAIN: None
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