Contact Lens Recycling & Free Mattress Disposal
By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful and biodiverse environments in the world. The local environment plays an essential role in our economy and quality of life.
Our County is often at the forefront of environmental programs and innovation. Here is a small set of some new (and ongoing) programs that might be of interest to you.
Contact Lens Recycling
Did you know that every year approximately 3 billion contact lenses end up in our local wastewater treatment plant? About 1 in 5 people flush used contact lenses down the sink or toilet, which contribute to harmful micro plastic pollution in the Monterey Bay.
The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that requires all eye care practitioners and supply providers in the unincorporated area (such as Aptos) to offer a free contact lens recycling program. The purpose of this program is to provide an easy (and free) alternative to flushing contact lenses and packaging materials.
You can contact your provider for more information but all brands are recyclable as are the top foil and the opened plastic blister packs.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics and Disposable Cups
Beginning in January, a 25-cent surcharge was enacted for each disposable cup sold by coffee shops, restaurants and other food vendors in the unincorporated area (some local cities have also enacted similar surcharges).
There are ongoing discussions about allocating some or all of the surcharge to local environmental programs and cleanup efforts. While enacting the surcharge took an action of the Board of Supervisors, dedicating it for a specific purpose would require a Santa Cruz County vote.
It’s estimated this surcharge could provide up to $2 million a year for local environmental programs and coastal cleanups such as those occurring along Aptos Creek, Seacliff and Rio Del Mar. Similar to the single-use bag fee at grocery stores, the fee is currently collected and retained at the point-of-sale location.
In addition, to reduce plastic waste in our landfills and beaches, the Board of Supervisors enacted a ban on small, single-use plastic bottles of personal care products in hotels, vacation rentals and other visitor accommodations in the unincorporated county.
This was a multi-year phase-in process that has officially taken effect. While many hotels were already phasing them out, this now creates a standard that prevents single-use small plastic bottles from being used in these types of accommodations.
Millions of these bottles were being thrown away every year and the state ended up modeling a statewide law after our local ordinance to phase them out statewide.
Free Mattress and Motor Oil Disposal
Local residents can bring used motor oil and filters to the Buena Vista Landfill for free to the Household Hazardous Waste facility (limit of 15 gallons per visit). You can visit www.santacruzcountyrecylces.org for more information.
Additionally, in partnership with the Mattress Recycling Council, local residents can bring mattresses to the Buena Vista Landfill for free. Offering these services, for motor oil and mattresses, reduces illegal dumping and protects the environment.
Learning About Composting
Interested in learning more about composting? Composting enriches soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. County Public Works sponsors free (virtual) classes for basic composting.
Reservations are required. The next class will be held Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, and you can call (831) 824-6484 or online at goo.gl/Fw6BaK to make a reservation.
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As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting a tele-townhall on Tuesday, March 2, with Mimi Hall, director of the County’s Health Services Agency, from 6-7 p.m.
The call-in information is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384# – you are welcome to speak about any issue during the town halls or you can always call me at 454-2200.