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

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.

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.

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