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Too Toxic To Trash
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is considered to be any leftover or unused portions of chemical products you use in your kitchen, bathroom, garage, automobile, or yard. Household hazardous waste can pass through treatment processes or storm drains and get discharged into creeks, the Bay, or the Pacific Ocean. For safety and environmental reasons it is illegal to dispose of HHW in the garbage, sewers or storm drains.
Problems with Improper Disposal of HHW
- Contamination of our waterways and drinking water
- Physical injury to sanitation workers
- Contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets
- Present hazards to children and pets if left around the house
- Harm wildlife and the environment
Properly Dispose of HHW
Click below for drop-off locations in San Mateo County
 Can you put these in the trash? What other choices do you have? Share what you do, and what you would like to see available to you by taking our Batteries and Bulbs Survey
Collection Events
San Mateo County Environmental Health Department sponsors a FREE countywide program to collect, recycle and properly dispose of household hazardous waste. There are currently eleven (11) HHW collection events per month at locations around the county. Make an appointment online or call Environmental Health at 650-363-4718 and select option 3.
Accepted Materials
- Oil-based paints, varnishes and stains
- Paint thinner
- Household cleaners
- Aerosol spray cans
- Furniture and metal polishes
- Pesticides and garden chemicals
- Pool and spa chemicals
- Photographic chemicals
- Art and hobby supplies
- Automotive Products*
- Batteries (home & car)*
- Hobby supplies
- Fuels
- Propane tanks from barbecues
- Mercury Containing Items (fluorescent light bulbs*, old thermometers, etc.)
Not Accepted Materials
Ammunition
Asbestos
Biological materials
Business-generated materials
Explosives
Radioactive materials
Compressed gas cylinders
*No need for an appointment if you take the following to local Drop-Offs:
Resources
Household Products Database
Less Toxic Household Recipes
The Story of Stuff Video (20 min)
California Product Stewardship Council Product Stewardship involves consumers, government agencies and product manufacturers sharing the responsibility of reducing the impact of product waste on our environment. It is analysis and understanding of a product’s lifecycle and its long-term effect on our world. Quite simply, recycling is only part of the solution.
Chemicals at Home: Searching For Safer Alternatives, KQED Radio, The California Report
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