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Household Hazardous Waste

Overview

Household Hazardous Waste

What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?

HHW is waste from your home that is toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive based on its chemical properties. Products such as batteries, paint and paint thinner, pesticides and fertilizers, and poisons are considered hazardous waste. Learn about the multiple easy and free ways to safely remove HHW from your home here, including making an appointment for the next collection event.

NEW! HHW Guide

Complete Guide to Household Hazardous Waste

For all things HHW, our new HHW Guide is a cache of safe disposal options, all contained in one place. Do you prefer to drop off items at a one-day event or a local business, or curbside resources for batteries? It’s all here. Safe alternatives to hazardous cleaning products and information on what makes HHW hazardous round out the topics. Read the Complete Guide to Household Hazardous Waste here.

Household Hazardous Waste

It’s illegal and unsafe to dump this waste in the trash or down the drain. San Mateo County’s HHW Program helps residents reuse, recycle, or responsibly manage residential hazardous waste for free at local businesses that collect common items such as batteries and fluorescent lights and neighborhood collection events.

If you have questions, contact us at hhw@smcgov.org or (650) 372-6200.

HHW Brochures  English HHW Too Toxic to Trash  -  Español   -   Chinese 中文    -   Tagalog   - 

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HHW MOST WANTED

Batteries, Paint, Fluorescent Lights

Did you know that the top three most disposed of household hazardous waste (HHW) items in San Mateo County are single-use and rechargeable batteries (such as AAA, AA, C, button cell, 9-volt, and lithium-ion batteries) paint, and fluorescent lights? 

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Middle & High School Education Program

The San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Middle and High School Education Program has created an interactive presentation that explores: 

General information

What Goes Where

Learn which types of waste are and are not accepted in the HHW Program. You’ll also find a list of alternative safe management options for hard-to-recycle and special items.

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Curbside Pick-Up Options

Depending on your hauler, you may have different curbside options available to you. All haulers below offer a household battery pickup program, and some provide additional services such as used motor oil and filters, used cooking oil, and compact fluorescent lights. Click on your hauler for more information.

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MOVING? THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

HHW can only legally be transported by the person or persons who generated that waste. If you’re moving out make sure to properly dispose of your HHW, and if you’re moving in—confirm that you’re not stuck with the leftovers. Products such as batteries, paint and paint thinner, pesticides and fertilizers, and poisons are just some examples of hazardous waste — and probably won’t make the move.

Moving creates a long list of to-do’s whether you’re buying or selling a home. Here’s a checklist to help you stay organized.

General information

Free Product Give Away Program

Too Good to Waste

Free Product Give Away Program

Many household products stored in the garage or under the sink often get forgotten about, take up valuable storage space, and can become a hazard to you, your children, or your pets. Give these products a second life by considering these more sustainable and safe solutions that are better for your wallet and your neighbor!     

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Where to Recycle Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights save electricity and are a good choice for energy conservation. However, all fluorescent lights contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. This means the lights are toxic and can’t be put in the trash.