A new state bill, SB 811, is currently under review by California legislators. This bill would weaken hazardous waste protections for some of California’s most toxic industrial polluters: metal shredding facilities.
Take action by contacting state legislators urging them to oppose SB 811 (instructions below).
You can learn more in our comment letter.
Pictured, above: A fire at the Radius (formerly Schnitzer Steel) metal shredding facility in Oakland
Who to Contact
- Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (District 14) | Phone: (510) 286-1400 | Website Contact Form (note that this contact method is only available to residents of Wicks’ district)
Personalizable Script
I’m reaching out to urge you to reject SB 811. This bill poses a significant threat to public safety, human health, and the environment.
Metal shredders handle huge quantities of hazardous waste, including materials that contain PCBs, mercury, antifreeze, oil, and explosives that can ignite massive fires. Just such a disaster occurred at the Schnitzer facility in Oakland in 2023.
But SB 811 would allow metal shredders to largely regulate themselves, leading to more toxic pollution in our air and water and a heightened risk of fires, often in communities already overburdened with legacy contamination.
Please vote NO on SB 811.
Thank you,
[name]