4 | HelloSouth San Francisco, California • Spring Issue
Hello South San Francisco, California • Spring Issue |5
Francisco, California
In the heart of the Bay Area lies the dynamic city of South San Francisco, known for its harmonious blend of innovative industry and
welcoming neighborhoods. Often referred to as “The Industrial City,” South San Francisco is a place where the pioneering spirit thrives, home to a bustling biotech industry that shapes the landscape of tomorrow. Yet, innovation doesn’t overshadow community here; instead, it enhances it. Residents enjoy an enriching lifestyle, flanked by a backdrop of the stunning San Bruno Mountains and mere minutes away from the luminous San Francisco Bay.
South San Francisco invites families and professionals alike to embrace a life where outdoor activity is woven into the fabric of daily living. The city’s network of beautiful parks, including the lush Orange Memorial Park, offers serene escapes for picnics, sports, and leisurely strolls. The vibrant Grand Avenue district adds a touch of local flair, with its eclectic array of cafes, boutique shops, and diverse culinary experiences that celebrate the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Community events and local festivals further enhance the lively atmosphere, forging a strong sense of connection among residents. Combine this with a strategic location that offers easy access to the delights of San Francisco, and it’s no surprise that South San Francisco continues to be a prized place to call home.
Discover the Vibrant Charm of South San
Discover the Vibrant Charm of South San Francisco, California
In the heart of the Bay Area lies the dynamic city of South San Francisco, known for its harmonious blend of innovative industry and welcoming neighborhoods. Often referred to as “The Industrial City,” South San Francisco is a place where the pioneering spirit thrives, home to a bustling biotech industry that shapes the landscape of tomorrow. Yet, innovation doesn’t overshadow community here; instead, it enhances it. Residents enjoy an enriching lifestyle, flanked by a backdrop of the stunning San Bruno Mountains and mere minutes away from the luminous San Francisco Bay.
South San Francisco invites families and professionals alike to embrace a life where outdoor activity is woven into the fabric of daily living. The city’s network of beautiful parks, including the lush Orange Memorial Park, offers serene escapes for picnics, sports, and leisurely strolls. The vibrant Grand Avenue district adds a touch of local flair, with its eclectic array of cafes, boutique shops, and diverse culinary experiences that celebrate the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Community events and local festivals further enhance the lively atmosphere, forging a strong sense of connection among residents. Combine this with a strategic location that offers easy access to the delights of San Francisco, and it’s no surprise that South San Francisco continues to be a prized place to call home.
Why Household Batteries Are Dangerous in Garbage Trucks
Household batteries are a common item in most homes, yet they are often misunderstood when it comes to proper disposal. In South San Francisco, Millbrae, Brisbane and throughout San Mateo County, batteries should never be placed inside garbage or recycling bins. Even small household batteries can pose
serious risks during collection and processing if they are not handled correctly.Many residents assume batteries are harmless once they stop working, but that is not the case. Most household batteries still hold a charge even when they appear dead. When these batteries are crushed, punctured, or
6 | HelloSouth San Francisco, California • Spring Issue
Why Household Batteries Are Dangerous in Garbage Trucks
Household batteries are a common item in most homes, yet they are often misunderstood when it comes to proper disposal. In South San Francisco, Millbrae, Brisbane and throughout San Mateo County, batteries should never be placed inside garbage or recycling bins. Even small household batteries can pose serious risks during collection and processing if they are not handled correctly. Many residents assume batteries are harmless once they stop working, but that is not the case. Most household batteries still hold a charge even when they appear dead. When these batteries are crushed, punctured, or compacted inside a garbage truck, they can spark or overheat. This can lead to fires inside collection vehicles or at waste facilities. Garbage truck fires caused by batteries are more common than many people realize. Modern garbage trucks use powerful compactors to reduce waste volume. If a battery is caught in that process, the pressure can damage its casing and expose the internal components. Once exposed, the battery can ignite surrounding materials, including paper, plastic, and other debris. These fires put sanitation workers at serious risk. Collection crews work in close proximity to waste loads and vehicles, often without immediate warning when a fire starts. A fire inside a truck can spread quickly, forcing workers to dump the load on the street or abandon the vehicle entirely. In some cases, injuries and significant property damage have occurred. Processing facilities also face hazards from improperly discarded batteries. At transfer stations and sorting centers, waste moves along conveyor belts and through mechanical screens. Batteries can become damaged during this process, creating sparks that ignite nearby materials. Facility fires disrupt operations, damage equipment, and increase costs for local waste systems. Household batteries do not belong inside garbage or recycling bins because they create preventable fire risks for workers, equipment, and surrounding communities. In South San Francisco, Millbrae, and Brisbane residents are provided with safer options for battery disposal. One approved method is to place used household batteries in a clear plastic bag and set the bag on top of the residential garbage cart on collection day. The clear bag signals to collection crews that the contents require special handling and should not be compacted with regular trash. Another safe option is to take household batteries to an approved drop off location. Many local facilities and retail locations accept common household batteries for proper recycling or disposal. These locations are equipped to manage batteries safely and ensure they are processed in a way that reduces fire risk and environmental harm. Recycling bins are also not an appropriate place for batteries. While recycling systems are designed to recover valuable materials, they are not equipped to handle the fire hazards posed by batteries. Placing batteries in recycling bins can contaminate recyclable materials and create dangerous conditions at sorting facilities. Proper battery disposal also plays an important role in environmental protection. Batteries contain metals and chemicals that can be harmful if released into the environment. When batteries are damaged or improperly discarded, these substances can leak into soil and water. Responsible disposal helps prevent pollution and supports safer waste management practices. Residents in nearby communities such as Brisbane and Millbrae follow disposal guidelines similar to those for the City of South San Francisco. San Mateo County has established consistent rules across cities to reduce confusion and improve safety. Understanding and following these guidelines helps create a safer system for everyone involved, from residents to waste workers. It is also important to recognize that household batteries come in many forms. Common alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries, button batteries, and lithium based batteries all present risks when thrown away incorrectly. While disposal options may vary slightly by battery type, none of them should be placed loose in trash or recycling bins. Taking a few extra moments to dispose of batteries correctly can make a meaningful difference. Using the clear bag method or visiting a drop off location helps reduce the chance of fires, protects public workers, and preserves equipment that communities rely on every day. These small actions support a safer and more efficient waste system throughout South San Francisco. By understanding why batteries are dangerous in garbage trucks and how to handle them properly, residents can help prevent accidents before they happen. Proper battery disposal is a shared responsibility that protects people, infrastructure, and the environment across San Mateo County.
David Button
compacted inside a garbage truck, they can spark or overheat. This can lead to fires inside collection vehicles or at waste facilities.Garbage truck fires caused by batteries are more common than many people realize. Modern garbage trucks use powerful compactors to reduce waste volume. If a battery is caught in that
process, the pressure can damage its casing and expose the internal components. Once exposed, the battery can ignite surrounding materials, including paper, plastic, and other debris.These fires put sanitation workers at serious risk. Collection crews work in close proximity to waste loads and vehicles, often without immediate warning when a fire starts. A fire inside a truck can spread quickly, forcing workers to dump the load on the street or abandon the vehicle entirely. In some cases, injuries and significant property damage have occurred.Processing facilities also face hazards from improperly discarded batteries. At...
Household batteries do not belong inside garbage or recycling bins because they create preventable fire risks for workers, equipment...
About the Author
David Button is the President of South San Francisco Scavenger Company. He joined the family-owned company after more than 20 years working at an accounting firm where he lead the waste industry group specializing in auditing, consulting, and creation of franchise agreements for garbage companies nationwide. David is a third-generation professional in the waste and recycling industry and resides within the Company's service area.
HelloSouth San Francisco, California • Spring Issue |7
The Thriving Heartbeat of Biotech Innovation
When it comes to biotechnology, South San Francisco stands tall as a global leader, earning its nickname, "The Birthplace of Biotechnology." This vibrant city serves as the headquarters for over 200 biotech companies, creating a lively ecosystem where innovation and collaboration flourish. Home to trailblazing pioneers like Genentech, the region continues to push boundaries, transforming lives with groundbreaking therapies and scientific breakthroughs.
Envision a community where the pioneering spirit is palpable, and visions of the future come to life in state-of-the-art research facilities. South San Francisco’s strategic location, just a stone's throw from Silicon Valley, nurtures a synergistic relationship between tech and biotech, forming a powerhouse of innovation. The city’s commitment to sustainable and cutting-edge research makes it a nurturing ground for start-ups and well-established giants alike.
South San Francisco’s biotech landscape isn't just about scientific advancements; it’s about opportunities, community, and hope. A talented workforce, drawn from across the globe, calls this place home, fostering an environment ripe with diversity and creative thought. As biotech plays an increasingly pivotal role in shaping...
South San Francisco
8 | HelloSouth San Francisco, California • Spring Issue
South San Francisco: The Thriving Heartbeat of Biotech Innovation
When it comes to biotechnology, South San Francisco stands tall as a global leader, earning its nickname, "The Birthplace of Biotechnology." This vibrant city serves as the headquarters for over 200 biotech companies, creating a lively ecosystem where innovation and collaboration flourish. Home to trailblazing pioneers like Genentech, the region continues to push boundaries, transforming lives with groundbreaking therapies and scientific breakthroughs.
Envision a community where the pioneering spirit is palpable, and visions of the future come to life in state-of-the-art research facilities. South San Francisco’s strategic location, just a stone's throw from Silicon Valley, nurtures a synergistic relationship between tech and biotech, forming a powerhouse of innovation. The city’s commitment to sustainable and cutting-edge research makes it a nurturing ground for start-ups and well-established giants alike.
South San Francisco’s biotech landscape isn't just about scientific advancements; it’s about opportunities, community, and hope. A talented workforce, drawn from across the globe, calls this place home, fostering an environment ripe with diversity and creative thought. As biotech plays an increasingly pivotal role in shaping tomorrow’s health and wellness, South San Francisco is the pulse that keeps American innovation robust and thriving.
Hello South San Francisco, California • Spring Issue |9
