Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-16 EMC minutes proposed corrections2022-03-16 EMC Meeting Notes Approximate time during meeting video 22:20 Vice Chair Gaffney question about DEM using Everbridge Notification system. Clarification: SWD has separate Everbridge Notification, residents need to sign up for separate notifications on SWD issues. Not in Civil Defense notifications. 23:48 Commisisoner Cardwell stated that Mr. K’s Recycle & Redemption has pilot program to recycle batteries, unsure if including lithium and if Mr. K’s takes solar lithium batteries. Clarification: Mr. K’s pilot program is for alkaline primary (single-use) batteries only. 30:18 Director Mansour stated that batteries are accepted at County’s electronics recycling collections. Director was correct that Home Depot will take rechargeable power tool batteries. Clarification: Only batteries built-in to an accepted electronic device and batteries inside a UPS system are acceptable at electronics collections. Loose batteries are not acceptable. 31:17 Vice Chair Gaffney, in response to earlier Doug Perrine testimony, stated HZW unclear on which batteries are acceptable at HHWCE. Director Mansour responded that E-Waste collection would take batteries. Clarification: Only batteries built-in to an accepted electronic device and batteries inside a UPS system are acceptable at E-Waste collections. Loose batteries are not acceptable at E-Waste. 32:25 Vice Chair Gaffney question about large auto and solar system batteries (e.g., Lithium). Director Mansour stated that dealer would accept batteries when replacing them in hybrid vehicles and EVs. Clarification: State legal requirement for take-back only apply to lead-acid batteries. Clarification: Large lithium batteries are extremely hazardous and costly to recycle in COH. There should be a legal requirement for take-back by retailer/dealer rather than an external cost paid by County taxpayers. Clarification: All batteries are not considered hazardous. Alkaline batteries since 1996 (mercury free) are not considered hazardous and can be disposed in landfill. DEM recommends that alkaline batteries be recycled at HHWCE even if they are not “hazardous.” As a pilot project, and to gauge the current demand, current HHWCE contract will accept 5 automotive lithium batteries per year included in event price. Each additional unit will cost $50. 1:53:00 Commissioner McIntosh wanted to know when next electronics & HHW collection events would be held in Ka‘ū District or have drop-off locations for electronics in Ka‘ū then have SWD transport to Hilo or Kona. Director Mansour responded about HHW, “we did one in the Ka‘ū district last year and we had a small turnout…” Clarification: We suspended electronics collections at Wai‘ōhinu due to low collections and start of pandemic/budget cuts in March 2020. Clarification: We held two HHWCE at Wai‘ōhinu in 2011 & 2012 both had dismal turnout despite extensive advertising campaign.