What Goes Where
Learn which types of waste are and are not accepted in the HHW Program. Make a drop-off appointment here for items we do accept, and be sure to check below for alternative safe management options for hard-to-recycle and special items. Small batteries, paint, and fluorescent lights can be dropped off at retail partner collection sites. Call for hours of operation.
Accepted Items
|
ACCEPTABLE WASTE TYPE |
OTHER RECYCLING/DISPOSAL OPTIONS |
|---|---|
|
Aerosol cans |
Aerosol cans must be disposed of through the San Mateo County HHW Program. Please make an appointment. |
|
Art and hobby supplies |
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Automotive supplies |
Free convenient drop off locations also exist for the following automotive supplies: |
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Batteries |
Find other convenient drop-off options for battery recycling at smchealth.org/batteries. For Li-ion batteries LARGER than a AA battery, find convenient recycling options through The Battery Network and Redwood Materials. Please tape battery terminals to protect from fires. |
|
Cosmetics |
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|
Compressed gases and liquids ACCEPTED:
Refer to the unaccepted list below to see compressed gases that are NOT accepted. |
Empty compressed gas cylinders: Propane: |
|
Fluorescent lights |
See our list of fluorescent light drop-off sites. No appointment needed, just check store hours. |
| Fire extinguishers | Residential fire extinguishers are typically dry chemical (sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate) and carbon dioxide, and are not hazardous, so they can be discharged into the regular trash. However, monoammonium phosphate is an irritant to the respiratory tract and to eyes. Discharge the unit outside, away from kids or pets, wear goggles and a particulate mask. Recycle the emptied unit as a plastic or metal container. If you are uncomfortable doing that, bring them to the HHW Program. |
| Garden fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides | |
| Household cleaning chemicals (bleach, stain removers, cleaners, polishes) | Visit smchealth.org/healthyhome for less toxic cleaning alternatives. |
| Mercury-containing thermometers and thermostats | See Thermostat Recycle Corporation for list of free convenient drop off locations. |
| Painting supplies and home improvement (paint, spray paint, stains, thinners, varnish, epoxy, roof tar, etc.) |
Many paint stores take back paint, stain, and varnish year‐round for free during business hours as part of the PaintCare program. Find locations at paintcare.org. |
| Poisons (pest killing products, herbicide, powders, sprays, baits) |
Visit smchealth.org/healthyhome for less-toxic pest control options. |
| Pool or spa chemicals |
NOT Accepted (UNACCEPTED)
| UNACCEPTABLE WASTE TYPE | ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL OR RECYCLING OPTIONS |
|---|---|
|
Ammunition, explosives, fireworks, gun powder |
Contact local law enforcement and/or San Mateo County Sheriffs for explosives destruction |
|
Appliances |
|
|
Asbestos |
Contact the following Bay Area landfills: |
|
Compressed gases and liquids
Refer to the accepted list above for compressed gases that are accepted. |
Empty compressed gas cylinders: May be exempt from regulation. Contact your local metal recycler or scrap facility for preparation and acceptance requirements. For more information, visit Management of Compressed Gas Cylinders | CA Department of Toxic Substances Control
NON-EMPTY Cylinders:
|
|
Construction and demolition debris |
Find local disposal locations |
| Cooking oil | Find local disposal locations |
| Electronic waste | Find local disposal locations or contact Shoreway Public Recycling Center in San Carlos. |
| LED Lights (Light emitting diode) | Visit recyclestuff.org for drop-off sites. LED lights are electronic waste. |
| Lithium-ion Batteries (Li-ion) | For Li-ion batteries LARGER than a AA battery, visit Call2Recycle.org and Redwood Materials for drop-off sites. NO DAMAGED, DEFECTIVE, OR RECALLED batteries. For Li-ion the size of a AA battery or smaller, visit smchealth.org/post/hhw-most-wanted. |
| Medical, biohazard, infectious wastes | Contact the San Mateo County Medical Waste Program |
| Pharmaceuticals, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs | Many local police stations and some pharmacies will take them back. |
| Pressure-treated wood |
Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC): |
| Sharps, lancets, needles | |
| Smoke detectors | Call the manufacturer for mail-back recycling; or call First Alert at 1-800-323-9005 |
| Styrofoam | Find disposal locations |
| Tires | Find local disposal locations |
| Business waste |
See if you quality for the Very Small Quantity Generator (Business) Program Hazardous Waste Identification (ID) Numbers | Department of Toxic Substances Control |
Contact us directly at (650) 372-6200 or hhw@smcgov.org if you have questions.