(a)  On or before March 31, 1996, the department shall develop a separate and distinct regulatory structure for the permitting of permanent household hazardous waste facilities that conduct the activities specified in subdivision (b). The regulations shall simplify the permitting of facilities and encourage the collection of material and shall be not more burdensome than is necessary to protect the public health and safety. The regulations adopted to implement this section shall balance public safety considerations of household hazardous waste collection with the safety and environmental considerations of illegal disposal.

(b)  The regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall apply only to household hazardous waste collection activities that are operated by a public agency, or its contractor, and that accept only household hazardous waste or hazardous waste collected from very small quantity generators. The regulations shall require that, before the commencement of the activities specified in this subdivision, the activities shall be authorized by the department.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 153, Sec. 13. (AB 698) Effective January 1, 2022.)