Environmentalists warn of a dangerous loophole in state bill meant to regulate metal recyclers

A proposed bill in the California Senate aims to provide consistent regulation for California’s scrap metal recycling facilities, including Oakland’s Radius Recycling, whose West Oakland plant caught fire two years ago, spewing toxic smoke into the community for days.

The bill is backed by Democratic State Senator Anna Caballero, who represents much of the Central Valley, and is supported by the California Metal Recyclers Coalition, which — according to the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control — includes Radius Recycling and seven other companies across the state. The bill’s proponents say it will create a clear framework for these companies to operate; opponents say the bill’s redefinition of hazardous waste could lead to greater environmental harm.

Metal shredding facilities