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    Back to Which Way, L.A.?

    Which Way, L.A.?

    Is One Recycler Doing More Harm than Good?

    Automobile batteries are made of toxic materials and they're recycled to protect the environment. Exide, a company in Vernon, melts down 25,000 a day and creates lead ingots for sale. But for years, neighbors insist, the plant has emitted both lead and arsenic, with devastating health effects from Boyle heights to Hancock Park.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    Automobile batteries are made of toxic materials and they're recycled to protect the environment. Exide, a company in Vernon, melts down 25,000 a day and creates lead ingots for sale. But for years, neighbors insist, the plant has emitted both lead and arsenic, with devastating health effects from Boyle heights to Hancock Park. Earlier this year, a judge refused efforts by the State Department of Toxic Substances Control to shut Exide down. Now, the Southern California Air Quality Management District is holding public hearings. The first was on Saturday.

    The full episode

    2 of 2
    Exide Acid-Battery Recycler and Public Health Concerns
    1. 0:00Plastic Bag Ban Going into Effect January 1
    2. 10:23Is One Recycler Doing More Harm than Good?You’re reading this
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • KCRW placeholder

      Andrea Brody

      Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Jenny Hamel

      KCRW

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Benjamin Gottlieb

      Reporter, Fill-in Host

    • KCRW placeholder

      Jessica Garrison

      Editor at LA Material

    • KCRW placeholder

      Frank Villalobos

      resident of Montebello

    • KCRW placeholder

      David Campbell

      United Steelworkers

      News

    The full episode

    2 of 2
    Exide Acid-Battery Recycler and Public Health Concerns
    1. 0:00Plastic Bag Ban Going into Effect January 1
    2. 10:23Is One Recycler Doing More Harm than Good?You’re reading this
    Back to Which Way, L.A.?