Local Metal Recycler to Pay $175,000.00 in Penalties and Costs for Improperly Processing Appliances

Press Release

(Woodland, CA) November 13, 2024 - Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced a settlement with Green Zone Recycling, a metal recycler in Woodland, which unlawfully recycled major appliances, including refrigerators and freezers. Major appliances include materials that can cause serious harm to the environment if improperly managed. To protect our air, water, and soil, the law requires that only Certified Appliance Recyclers-businesses with the necessary training and equipment-can accept such appliances.

The District Attorney's investigation, which originated from a complaint submitted by the Yolo County Central Landfill, also received assistance from the Landfill, the Yolo County Environmental Health Division, the California Air Resources Board, and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. The investigation found Green Zone had a longstanding practice of unlawfully accepting large quantities of major appliances for recycling, and improperly processing those major appliances. This risked causing the release of ozone-depleting chemicals into our atmosphere, among other environmental damage. After the District Attorney's Office contacted Green Zone, the company ceased its illegal practices and cooperated with the investigation.

The Yolo County Superior Court ordered Green Zone to pay $175,000.00 in civil penalties, partial cost recovery, and supplemental environmental projects. The Court also issued a statewide injunction to ensure ongoing compliance.

"Major appliances often include air pollutants and other chemicals that can damage our environment." said District Attorney Reisig. "Breaking laws designed to protect our environment and public health also creates an unfair advantage over businesses that make the investments necessary to follow the law. This office is committed to enforcing the laws that protect our environment and ensure a level-playing field for businesses."

Members of the public can do their part to protect our environment by only disposing of major appliances at the Yolo County Central Landfill, or through a Certified Appliance Recycler. Contact the Landfill at (530) 666-8729 for additional information. A map of Certified Appliance Recyclers in California can also be found on DTSC's website at https://dtsc.ca.gov/certified-appliance-recycler-car-program/#CARmap. Yolo County residents should also ask whether a company is a Certified Appliance Recycler before using them to dispose of any appliances.

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