Article 7. Solid Waste Handling And Disposal of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 104. >> Part 13. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 7.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in Article 2 (commencing with Section 66710) of Chapter 1 of Title 7.3 of the Government Code govern the construction of this article.

The department insofar as presently or hereafter provided by law, shall continue to be responsible for all aspects of solid waste management and resource recovery as they directly affect human health, including, but not limited to, the contamination of air, water, and land, propagation of vertebrates and invertebrates that may transmit disease to man, handling and disposal of hazardous wastes, and management practices that threaten the health of solid waste employees or the general public.

The department shall continue to administer and enforce the laws, other than matters covered by Title 7.3 (commencing with Section 66700) of the Government Code, that are within its jurisdiction as they apply directly to solid wastes. The department also, as it relates directly to human health, shall:
  (a) Evaluate and study, as appropriate, the characteristics of solid wastes and methods for their handling and disposal for health protection.
  (b) Render technical assistance to the board, local agencies, and others in the planning and operation of solid waste management programs and resources recovery programs.
  (c) Formulate technical criteria and suggested guidelines for use by state and local agencies in development, planning, implementation, and operation of programs for the local handling of solid waste.
  (d) Stimulate and participate in research and development projects conducted by other public or private agencies, especially those intended to reduce, effectively reuse, or decontaminate waste products.

The department, not later than January 1, 1975, shall prepare and shall submit minimum standards for solid waste handling and disposal for the protection of the public health to the board for inclusion in the state policy for solid waste management required to be adopted pursuant to Section 66770 of the Government Code. The department may adopt varying standards for different areas of the state depending on population density, climate, geology, and other factors relevant to solid waste handling and disposal, and may revise the standards when appropriate.