Let’s mend, but not end SB 811. Let’s protect our businesses and jobs here in the Central Valley. Let’s fix it so all metal shredding and recycling facilities in California can remain open.

The problem is that SB 811, authored by Sen. Ana Caballero (D-Merced), places a “one-size fits-all” remedy onto every type of metal shredder in the state. And that change places the small metal shredder recyclers at risk for survival.

Small metal recyclers have been vital members of our business community for decades, creating jobs and making it possible for the community to dispose of and recycle their products while keeping the environment safe and community healthy.

At BizFed Central Valley, it is our goal to create a stronger regional economy that looks for solutions for all its members.

We believe that SB 811 should be amended. Small metal recycling facilities are seeking an exemption from SB 811 given their historical and continued compliance with hazardous waste laws and because their operations do not create the environmental risks that mega shredders do. We believe this is a fair path forward.

Small Recycling Businesses Aren’t the Problem

SB 811 is intended to resolve an inappropriately granted authority for mega shredders to circumvent hazardous waste laws that has resulted in operational challenges posing health and safety risks to nearby communities.

Small recycling businesses operate very differently from the facilities the bill is designed to regulate. Existing permits restrict the volumes they’re allowed to process. They also prohibit shredding whole vehicles and appliances that lead to hazardous waste risks, and they do not chemically treat their waste. In addition, they’ve maintained compliance with California’s hazardous waste requirements for the last 40 years.

The proposed legislation is an overreaching remedy that extends sweeping new permit requirements, regulatory obligations and fee structures for small metal recyclers. There is a very clear distinction between how large metal shredders operate and the risks of those operations versus how small metal shredder facilities function and operate.

Small Recyclers Provide Essential Services

Small recyclers are locally and family owned, community-based operations that run on tight margins, choosing to focus on quality over quantity. They provide essential services, keeping valuable materials out of landfills, supporting the circular economy and creating local jobs. Layering unnecessary permitting requirements, compliance costs, and new fees could force some of these businesses to scale back or shut down altogether.

Opposition to SB 811 is growing. Local governments are expressing their opposition to losing their local authority to oversee and regulate all metal shredders. They want to protect their own communities and fear losing that control to the state. Environmental and community groups have expressed concerns with allowing mega shredders to circumvent hazardous waste laws and fear the replacement policy does not go far enough to keep communities safe.

This would bring the greatest long-term success of our environment, our businesses and families by fixing this important legislation to enforce those to whom it directly applies and will have the greatest impact.

Let’s encourage Sen. Caballero and other policymakers to mend, not end SB 811.

About the Author

Clint Olivier is president and the CEO of the Central Valley Business Federation, a Clovis Unified School Board member, and a former Fresno City Councilmember. 

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