Beginning February 9, Californians won’t be allowed to throw
electronic devices, batteries, mercury thermostats, or fluorescent
light bulbs into the trash anymore. This is according to a new
regulation by the California State Department of Toxic Substances
Control meant to keep substances including mercury, lead, and
chromium out of soil and groundwater. South Coast residents are
asked to bring old electronic devices to the Transfer Station at
4430 Calle Real, and to bring their batteries, fluorescent bulbs,
and thermostats to the Hazardous Waste Collection Center on the
UCSB campus. There are currently no consequences attached to
violations of the regulation.
