Chemicals accepted by the Household Hazardous Waste Program fall into one of four D.O.T. hazard categories:
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Flammable
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Corrosive
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Toxic
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Oxidizer
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Flammables include paints, dry or wet, petroleum based products, and polishes.
Corrosives include acids, bases, batteries, and drain clog remover.
Toxics include poisons, pesticides, gardening chemicals, ammonia, and solvents.
Oxidizers include pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and perchlorates.
Misc. include propane, helium, small oxygen tanks, smoke detectors.
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Residents can only dispose of the following medical waste; prescription drugs, used sharps, including syringes, needles, and lancets. The sharps must be placed in a red bio-hazardous container attainable at local pharmacies and online. Please click here for more information on disposal of sharps.
For a detailed list of household hazardous waste products we accept, please click here
The list also provides resources on how to dispose of items that we do not accept.
How to dispose of your hazardous waste
If you would like to schedule a drop-off at one of our facilities, please call the Santa Clara County HHW appointment line at 408.299.7300, Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or click on "Make An Appointment" on our home page. Please bring materials in their original, labeled, and sealed containers whenever possible and never mix chemicals together. Please box or bag ALL wastes for quicker removal from your vehicle and sort materials by the following categories: 1. Aerosols; 2. Paints, flammables and automotive fluids; and 3. Cleaners, and yard or garden products. Keep in mind that NO containers will be returned to you.
*Operating Schedule: Please call 408.299.7300 for our normal operating hours, or click here to view our annual operating schedule. |
Instructions for Residential Drop-off Participants
To learn about what happens to your waste after you drop it off, please click here.
Re-Use Program
To learn about how to pick-up free reusable products such as Cleaners, Chemicals, Automotive Fluids, Paints, and other items click here.
Alternative Means of disposing of other Hazardous Wastes
Disposal lists are updated every six months and disposal fees are subject to change, please call businesses for details, directions, and disposal information.
Alternative Means of disposing of Fluorescent Bulbs, Household Batteries, Thermometers and Thermostats
There are alternative means of disposal for fluorescent bulbs, household batteries, thermometers and thermostats besides our HHW drop-off locations. The fluorescent bulb, household batteries, thermometer and thermostat drop-off list are stores and locations that are accepting these items free of charge on our programs behalf. They will accept all different types of these items during their regular business hours. |
Resource List
*Disclaimer: The Resource List is provided as a courtesy to residents of Santa Clara County as a reference guide. The Household Hazardous Waste Program does not endorse or recommend any company listed.
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