Metal Recycling and Shredding
Learn about the Air District's Metal Recycling and Shredding Operations White Paper, which provides information and recommendations for further addressing emissions from metal recycling and shredding operations in the Bay Area.
Air District staff are initiating efforts to propose amendments to Regulation 6: Particulate Matter, Rule 4: Metal Recycling and Shredding Operations (Rule 6-4).
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 Paper
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
- Please register for this event here: Registration Link for In-Person Workshop
Community Room
3131 Union St., Oakland 94608 - Virtual Public Workshop
- Date: July 10, 2025
- Time: 2:00 to 4:00 PM
- Location: The virtual workshop will be conducted via webcast.
- Please register for this event here: Registration Link for Virtual Workshop
Hearings, Workshops and Other Events
Documents
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Last Updated: 2025/6/4