Safe Waste Disposal
Safe Waste Disposal
Learn how to properly dispose of and manage hazardous and potentially toxic waste you may have at home.
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.
It’s illegal and unsafe to dump this waste in the trash or down the drain. Empty containers are not hazardous waste and can be managed safely in the garbage. Leave the lids off so waste haulers can see that the container is empty and non-hazardous.
Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program
COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR BUSINESSES
Some businesses generate very little hazardous waste and may be eligible to participate in the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program. The Program is designed to provide an inexpensive hazardous waste disposal option to these companies, non-profits, and other entities instead of contracting with a commercial hazardous waste management firm.
The Program operates by appointment only.
Don’t Rush to Flush
San Mateo County now has over 50 medicine disposal locations available for residents to dispose of medicine safely. By taking your unwanted or expired medicine to one of the convenient kiosks listed below, you are protecting the environment, preventing overdoses and errors, and helping keep drugs away from kids and teens.
Used Motor Oil and Filter Recycling
There are three easy and free options to safely recycle your used motor oil and filters in San Mateo County described below.
It’s important to remember that these options are for uncontaminated oil only! Oil mixed with water, paint, solvents, rags, and antifreeze is contaminated. This oil must be taken to the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Learn more here.