If you have been to East Campus to play on the soccer field, then you may have encountered what is lovingly referred to as Appliance Heaven: a place where dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators and water heaters have begun to pile up. These appliances, removed from East Campus residents’ homes by Alliance which is the residential company hired by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), are mostly broken and destroyed.
Recently, it seems that many of the appliances were smashed and all of the glass broken, most likely by some local hooligans looking to release some anger. This has left broken glass, rusty metal and old, rotten wiring cluttering the surrounding environment. Scraps from Appliance Heaven can be found in the brush up to 20 feet away from the pile.
“The following materials must be removed from an appliance prior to the appliance being…disposed of, or otherwise processed in a manner that could result in the release or prevent the removal of these materials.
“Mercury, found in switches and temperature control devices. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and other non-CFC replacement refrigerants injected in air-conditioning/refrigerant units. All metal-encased capacitor. Any parts that contain encapsulated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or Di-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP). Any other material that is a regulated hazardous waste,” according to California Regulations regarding disposal of appliance recycling.
There were several refrigerators in the pile of discarded appliances that still had their doors intact. “The proper way to dispose of refrigerators involves completely removing the door or the latching mechanism. Abandoning a refrigerator without removing its door is a criminal offense under California Penal Code Section 402b PC and conviction can carry significant consequences,” according to Kraut Law group, criminal lawyers.
Beth Little, East Campuses’ community director, was notified by The Lutrinae about this dumping ground. However, East Campus decided not to respond in regards to this article. After initial questioning from The Lutrinae, Alliance made a small effort to organize the area.
Editor’s Note: Jessenya Guerra, Editor-In-Chief of The Lutrinae is the Administrator for East Campus Area Council.