Drop off business waste
The Very Small Quantity Generator Program (VSQG) provides a safe and affordable hazardous waste management option for qualifying business, non-profits, and government agencies.
The Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) is a program for businesses that qualify as a VSQG can drop off their hazardous or extremely hazardous waste. Properly disposing of hazardous waste can be costly and inconvenient. Fortunately, business owners, government agencies, and non-profits in Santa Clara County have a cost-effective and environmentally sound option to meet their hazardous waste recycling and disposal needs.
If your business qualifies as a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG), you have the opportunity to participate in our program. To qualify, you must generate less than 220 lbs., or 27 gallons of hazardous waste per month, or less than 2.2 lbs. of Extremely Hazardous Waste per month.
Learn how to qualify as VSQG Business
Waste drop-off hours vary. See business hazardous waste Operating Schedule.
Common hazardous waste we accept
- Mercury-containing products such as Fluorescent Lamps, Thermometers, and Batteries.
- Propane Tanks, Helium Tanks, and Aerosol Cans.
- Automotive Fluids including Motor Oil, Lubricants, Oil Filters, and Antifreeze.
- Landscaping Chemicals including Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, and Fertilizers.
- Latex and Oil-Based Paint as well as Paint-Related Materials such as Stains, Varnishes, Roofing Tar, Adhesives, Joint Compounds, and other Petroleum-Based Products.
- Developer and Fixer.
- Acids, Bases, Oxidizers, and Swimming Pool Chemicals.
- Solvents, Flammable Solids and Liquids, and Detergents.
Fill out an inventory sheet
To get an accurate quote of the cost dropping off waste, fill out an inventory sheet.
Make sure to include:
- Type of waste and its hazardous properties (flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic)
- Number of containers
- Size of container (we do not accept any containers larger then 5 gallons)
- Volume of waste (gallons, pounds, etc.)
- EPA ID number. Obtain an EPA ID number calling 1-800-618-6942.
Instructions on how to fill out the inventory sheet
| Form field | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Today's Date | Add in today's date. |
| Type of business | Indicate type of business. (Ex. Paint Contractor, Automotive, Computer, etc.) |
| Business Name and Business Address | Provide address (including city and zip code) where the waste was generated or where it is currently stored. |
| Mailing Address | Fill in complete mailing address including city and zip code. If mailing address is the same as the business address, please write “same”. |
| EPA ID Number | Any business that generates, stores, transports, or disposes of hazardous waste must have an EPA ID number according to State Law. Please call 1(800) 618-6942 or go to www.dtsc.ca.gov to obtain one. Please note if you are only disposing of Universal Waste such as fluorescent lighting or batteries, you do not need an EPA ID number. |
| Contact Person | Please fill in name of person whom I am to speak to. |
| Telephone Number | Provide a telephone number including area code and any extensions. |
| Fax Number | Fill in fax number including area code. |
| Waste Description | Provide a description of waste in as much detail as possible. Using paint as an example, Latex Paint and/or Oil Paint are acceptable when describing it (please do not indicate color and/or brand). Other examples of waste descriptions include motor oil, machining oil, antifreeze, latex paint, oil paint, paint thinner, muriatic acid, fixer, developer, etc. Please note that our program does not accept Biohazardous waste such as sharps or lancets. |
| Hazard Category | Indicate category if possible. Examples include Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic, Oxidizer, Reactive. |
| Liquid Amount | Fill in the amount of liquid or solids in containers. (Liquid in gallons and solids in pounds.) |
| Number of containers and Size of containers | Examples: 1 quart, 1 pint, 1 gal, 5 gal, etc.
|
| Generator Certification | Print name, sign and date. |