New Hazardous Waste Rule In Effect Now

Sonora, CA — As of today California residents will have to be more careful about what they put in their trashcans.

A new law states that common household waste that may contain hazardous materials may not be mixed in with normal trash for disposal.

Tuolumne County Public Works Director Peter Rei says batteries, electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, cell phones, and mercury thermostats need to be separated from other trash and taken to a disposal site.

Officials with the California Department of Toxic Substance Control say the Universal Waste can make its way into the ground water from landfills and create health and safety hazards.

Rei says the DTSC has a Waste Evaluation hotline that residents can call for additional information at 916-322-7676.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh