A business recycling program is proving too popular for the wrong reasons, the Amador County Administrative Committee discovered Monday.

In 2006, state hazardous waste regulations forbade the disposal of universal waste materials, such as fluorescent tubes, bulbs, household batteries and mercury containing devices, in the trash. A pilot program, named "Take It Back Amador," partnered several retailers with the county to provide services to collect these items in an attempt to keep them out of local landfills.

Funds for the program were expended in 2007 and ongoing funds are currently unavailable. According to Larry Peterson, director of the county's Public Works Agency, there was never any intention for the county to provide ongoing funding. Instead, the plan was for individual retailers to maintain the program.

"There are small businesses that are taking advantage of the program by taking in their waste, causing the retailers to pay a higher than expected cost," said Jim McHargue, an agency program manager. "Increased regulations for small business make it difficult to monitor and manage."

McHargue said the current situation is not unique to Amador County. In fact, he said, all of California is suffering from similar issues. A recent law in San Luis Obispo County has had some success in mandating retailers who sell the waste to also provide a recycling center, with Wal-Mart being the only hold out. Most large retailers have argued that they don't manufacture the product, only sell it, McHargue said.

"The pilot project has been a benefit to community members who have this type of waste," he said, adding that there needed to be limits in place on the amount of fluorescent bulbs and batteries people can bring. District 2 Supervisor Richard Forster suggested a limit of 5 pounds for batteries and five fluorescent tubes per customer to establish a maximum drop off. This amount was agreed upon and will be taken to the public works task force before being brought to the retailers and the board of supervisors.

In other committee news, Susan Grijalva of the planning department submitted a draft letter for public hearings to be held on the general plan update. "The Path to 2030" is the basis for all regulations and decisions that will be made when considering development in Amador County. Originally scheduled for Sept. 16 through 18, the dates must be modified and pushed back until possibly mid-October. The board of supervisors will hear the matter on today's agenda before approval the final draft of the notice.