MISSION STATEMENT
To protect the environment and public health from the effects of improper disposal of hazardous waste from Santa Clara County homes and small businesses.  This service provides the community with practical pollution prevention options for the use, recycling, and disposal of products containing hazardous substances.

PROGRAM HISTORY
Since 1991, the Santa Clara Countywide HHW Program has provided residents with a safe, convenient disposal service with year-round access.  The County and 14 cities participate in the countywide program and share costs based on the number of households served from each jurisdiction.  Participating jurisdictions include: Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale.  The City of Palo Alto (650) 496-6980 operates a separate HHW Program for their residents only.

The Santa Clara Countywide HHW Program provides the general public and small businesses with a safe, immediate solution to HHW recycling and disposal.  Residents are encouraged to use safer and less toxic alternatives and purchase smaller quantities of hazardous products. On-going public education continues to increase public awareness and participation.

Improper storage and disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) is associated with accidental poisonings, worker health and safety, equipment damage, and environmental contamination of surface and groundwater.  Heavy metals such as lead, zinc, copper, nickel, mercury and cadmium enter the waste stream via residential sewage and urban run-off.

State and local regulations prohibit the disposal of HHW at solid waste landfills.  Before collection programs were available, options for managing HHW were limited to disposal in the trash, pouring down the drain, or storing the waste indefinitely.  Products stored for more than a year, are seldom used and the risk of accidental poisoning of children and pets significantly outweighs any potential benefit of saving the product for future use.

For additional information please call the HHW program at (408)299-7300. We can be contacted at hhwstaff@deh.sccgov.org or by fax at (408) 280-6479.

• HHW E-Waste Page
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• Certified Used Oil Centers
  Used oil is a hazardous waste in the State of California. Illegally dumped oil contaminates the environment and endangers human health.
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• Contact Us
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• Household Hazardous Waste Classifications
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• What is Household Hazardous Waste and How do I Dispose of it?
  What is Household Hazardous Waste
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• Frequently Asked Questions
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• HHW Operating Schedule
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• The Re-Use Program
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• Community Outreach
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• Pesticide Disposal and Recycling
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• Mercury Education Project
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• HHW Resources and Links
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• Sharps and Prescription Drugs Disposal
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• Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Disposal Program
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