Learn how to dispose of household toxics, pharmaceuticals and sharps, and check the list below to find a disposal center near you. Together we can prevent pollution to protect our Bay.
Did you know that expired medication is household hazardous waste, and needs to be disposed of properly? The same goes for paint, electronic waste, and batteries, and used motor oil. Find a disposal facility near you to keep toxic pollution out of the Bay.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) are products that contain chemicals that can be dangerous or pollute our environment when improperly disposed of. These products include, but are not limited to, electronic waste (e-waste), many chemical cleaning supplies, paint, oils, and building materials. When disposed of in the garbage, down a household or storm drain, or left on the ground, chemicals from these products have the potential to catch fire, contaminate our water, air, or food, and pose health threats to people and wildlife. California has a full list of Household Hazardous Wastes not permitted in average trash disposal sites at CalRecycle.
Medications and sharps (needles, syringes, or other items used to puncture skin) also present risk to people and our environment when improperly disposed of. Like HHW, pharmaceuticals should not be disposed in the garbage, down your drain, or the ground, as they can pollute waterways and expose wildlife to dangerous chemicals. Sharps are equally important to carefully dispose of. When left in landfills, or abandoned, they can put workers at risk who are sorting trash. For more information about the impact of these products see the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
California counties are responsible for providing safe disposal or recycling sites for residents to bring their HHW, expired or unwanted medication, and sharps. Additionally, some private groups have pick-up or drop-off programs in the Bay Area. Please visit your county page below for information about locations and hours of these sites. Products accepted vary by location, so note the details listed or check their website to confirm that your item(s) can be disposed.
Choosing safer products for use in your home is another positive way to help prevent pollution. These products are also easier to dispose of properly. Check the EPA website for additional information about safer, more environmentally friendly household product choices.
COUNTY | DISPOSAL CENTER | ACCEPTED ITEMS |
---|---|---|
ALAMEDA COUNTY Hayward, Oakland, Fremont, Livermore | Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility | Accepts all common household hazardous waste items, e-waste, sharps, and pharmaceuticals. |
SAN FRANCISCO | Recology | Accepts common household hazardous waste, including e-waste. Also offers buyback services and construction/demolition debris drop-off. Check website for information about where to take specific items (some are not Recology facilities). |
SANTA CLARA | Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Program | Accepts all common household hazardous waste items as well as e-waste. See website for drop-off locations for specific items and to make drop-off appointments. Cupertino and Palo Alto residents should call their city for drop-off locations. |
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY | Contra Costa County HHW Program (main) | Accepts common household hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals and sharps. |
West County HHW Collection Facility | Accepts common household hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals and sharps. | |
Central Contra Costa HHW Collection Facility | Accepts common household hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals and sharps. | |
Delta HHW Collection Facility (East County) | Accepts common household hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals and sharps. | |
E-waste Contra Costa | E-waste. | |
SOLANO COUNTY | Recology Vacaville Solano Recycling Center | Accepts all common household hazardous waste items, pharmaceuticals, sharps, e-waste and motor oil, and has a buyback program. |
Republic Services, Solano Garbage | Accepts all common household hazardous waste items. Appointment required. | |
Riovista Sanitation | Accepts all common household hazardous waste items. Does not accept e-waste, pharmaceuticals, or sharps. | |
NAPA COUNTY | Vallejo-Napa Household Hazardous Waste Facility | Accepts common household hazardous waste items. Appointment required. |
Napa Recycling and Composting Facility | Accepts e-waste and metal. | |
Devlin Road Recycling & Transfer Facility | Accepts e-waste, metal, clothing, cooking oil, and other materials. | |
SAN MATEO COUNTY | San Mateo HHW Drop-Off Program | Appointment required. Does not accept e-waste, pharmaceuticals, or sharps. Accepts all common household hazardous waste items. |
Green Citizen, Burlingame EcoCenter | Accepts e-waste. See website, fees apply for some items. | |
Rethink Waste (San Carlos) | Accepts all common household hazardous waste items, including sharps. | |
MARIN COUNTY | Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility | Accepts all common household hazardous waste items, e-waste, motor oils, liquid cooking oils, and sometimes sharps. Limited items available for pick-up in San Rafael. Schedule by phone. |
Renew Computers | E-waste. | |
SONOMA COUNTY | Central Disposal Site | Takes all common household hazardous waste items and sharps. Does not accept controlled substances. |
Community Toxic Collections (PDF) | Check website for specifics. Appointment required. Takes all common household hazardous wastes, does not accept e-waste. | |
Computer Recycling Center | E-waste drop-off. | |