HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Letter - SB 1143 (Allen) - 05.13.2024
May 13, 2024
The Honorable Ben Allen
Senator, California State Senate
1021 O Street, Suite 6610
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support for SB 1143 (Allen) – Household Hazardous Waste Producer Responsibility Act
Dear Senator Allen:
The City of Cupertino is pleased to support Senate Bill 1143, which would establish
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). The City
Council voted unanimously to support this bill on May 7, 2024.
As you know, HHW requires special handling and disposal, as it is illegal to dispose of
HHW in the garbage, down storm drains, or onto the ground. When illegally or improperly
disposed of, chemicals in HHW can be released into the environment and contaminate our
air, water, and food supply. The City strongly supports the provisions with regard to
reimbursing local government costs for the collection and management of covered materials
to ensure costs are appropriately placed on producers rather than ratepayers. This will
continue the City’s priority and commitment to building a sustainable and resilient
community for future generations, as specified in our Climate Action Plan.
Cupertino currently partners with Santa Clara County’s HHW disposal program where
residents can drop off their HHW free of charge. The City pays approximately $100k per
year for this service without any active recovery. The City currently has funding to
participate in the County’s HHW program for the next 3-4 years. This bill could bring in
direct funds to offset the future costs for the City to continue participating in this program.
For these reasons, the City of Cupertino supports SB 1143.
Sincerely,
Sheila Mohan
Mayor, City of Cupertino
Cc: Senator Dave Cortese
Assemblymember Evan Low