San Mateo County Environmental Health Department sponsors a countywide program to collect, recycle and properly dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW). Any unwanted houshold chemical becomes HHW. Even though these products are readily available at markets and hardware stores, they may be harmufl to you, your family or the environment. It is unsafe and illegal to throw these wastes in the garbage, down the drain, or into stormdrains. They could potentially be harmful to the garbage hauler or the environment.

There are currently eleven (11) HHW collection events per month at locations around the county. This guide [1.4 MB]  gives you a resource to learn which chemicals you may bring to the HHW collection. Make an appointmentl online at the HHW page of the Environmental Health Website or by calling 650-363-4718.

Drop-off some automotive (Used motor oil, used oil filters, antifreeze, car batteries, and tires with a fee), and houshold waste (household batteries, fluorescent lamps, latex paint, pharmaceuticals, and computers) at participating businesses and municipalities, for proper disposal and recycling. Check Too Toxic, Too Trash! for drop-off locations in your city.

To avoid future need to dispose of HHW use careful planning when purchasing chemicals. Use less toxic alternatives and buy only what you need to do the job, or make your own with these less toxic recipes . If you you have left over try to find a friend or neighbor who might find use for your product.

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