Regulation 6 Rule 4: Metal Recycling and Shredding Operations - 2025 Amendment (Conceptual)

Learn about the Air District's rule development process for amendments to Regulation 6, Rule 4, which aims to further address emissions from metal recycling and shredding operations in the Bay Area.

Find out about the current status and anticipated timeline of the rule development process. Information on hearings, workshops, and other events is provided below, along with supporting documents and materials.


Air District staff are initiating efforts to propose amendments to Regulation 6: Particulate Matter, Rule 4: Metal Recycling and Shredding Operations (Rule 6-4).

The Air District will hold two workshops on potential changes to Rule 6-4. An in-person workshop will be held on June 26, 2025. A virtual workshop will be conducted via webcast on July 10, 2025.

To receive information on updates and events associated with further rule development activities, please sign up for the Air District's Rules and Regulations Email List at the bottom of this page.


Background

Metal recycling and shredding operations are sources of emissions of particulate matter (PM) (including metals that are listed as toxic air contaminants) and other pollutants. Communities near metal recycling and shredding facilities have raised concerns about air quality impacts from these sites. The AB 617 West Oakland Community Action Plan (WOCAP) includes Strategy #68 for the Air District to pursue amendments to the existing rules to further reduce fugitive PM emissions from metal recycling and shredding operations. The Richmond-North Richmond-San Pablo Path to Clean Air (PTCA) also includes a strategy to evaluate potential efforts to address and reduce emissions from metal recycling sources: PTCA Strategy – Commercial and Industrial (C&I) 4.5.


White Paper

In 2024, the Air District released a White PaperLanguage Icon Globe on metal recycling and shredding sources for public review and comment. The White Paper provides background information on metal recycling operations, challenges and opportunities of the existing rules, and a discussion of potential recommendations for further Air District efforts. The White Paper identifies recommendations for further potential Air District actions including several amendments to Rule 6-4, improved air quality incident notification, and strengthening interagency partnership and collaboration.


Public Workshops

The Air District will host (1) an in-person public workshop and (2) a virtual public workshop to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about, discuss, and comment on potential changes to Rule 6-4 currently being evaluated:

  • In-Person Public Workshop
    • Date: June 26, 2025
    • Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
    • Location:
    • Willie Keyes Recreation Center
      Community Room
      3131 Union St., Oakland 94608
    • Please register for this event here: Registration Link for In-Person Workshop
  • Virtual Public Workshop
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Hearings, Workshops and Other Events

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Documents

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Comments

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415.749.4653 ruledevelopment@baaqmd.gov

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Last Updated: 6/4/2025