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Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste classifications

This listing is provided as a quick reference for residents. For a more detailed explanation, please call the County of Santa Clara HHW Program at (408) 299-7300.  Please note that appointments are necessary before drop-offs can be made at all facilities.

Hazardous Waste Classifications
 
Types of wasteWhat to do with it
505009Corrosive

Corrosive 

 
Batteries, vehicle and household alkaline and rechargeableHHW event-vehicle batteries and household acceptable. Call HHW Hotline for local businesses near your home that may accept batteries.
Battery, acidAbsorb with Kitty Litter or Sand. Then bring to HHW event.
Chemistry setsHHW event
Cleaners/household chemicalsHHW event
Degreasers/solventsHHW event
Photo chemicalsHHW event
505006Flammable

Flammable

 
Aerosol cans

Empty- May be discarded in trash

HHW event

Automotive fluids

(Antifreeze, oils, various fluids, and other chemicals)

HHW event

Do not mix products together.

Chemistry setsHHW event
Cleaners/household chemicalsHHW event
Cosmetics, toiletriesHHW event
Degreasers/solventsHHW event
Flares (except airborne flares)HHW event
FreonHHW event
Gasoline/fuelsHHW event
Gun powderHHW event

Helium tanks

(No oxygen tanks; must be disposed of with a Medical Waste Hauler or by the vendor/manufacturer.

HHW event-5 gallon containers or smaller only

Call (408) 299-7300 for a list of Medical Waste Haulers

MaceHHW event
Oil-cooking

HHW event

Up to 1 Quart can be thrown in the garbage

Oil filters/usedHHW event
Oil-motor/usedHHW event, Used Oil Certified Centers, or Local Garage Co. for curbside pickup
Oily rags/paperWet-HHW event / Dry-Garbage
Paint/cans

HHW event

Empty containers can be placed in the garbage if the residue is dry with lids removed.

Propane tanksHHW event or call Suburban Propane (408) 227-8464
Sand-contaminatedHHW event-up to 5 gallons.
505003Oxidizer

Oxidizer

 
Chemistry setsHHW event
Cleaners/household chemicalsHHW event
Photo chemicalsHHW event
504900Toxic

Toxic

 
Chemistry setsHHW event
Cleaners/household chemicalsHHW event
Dental amalgamHHW event or Medical Waste Disposal Company
FertilizersHHW event
Fluorescent tubes, spiral, and compact bulbsHHW event
LeadHHW event
MercuryHHW event-including thermostats, button batteries, relays, etc.
PesticidesHHW event
505012Biohazard

Biohazard

 
Medicine, prescriptionHHW event; Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or throw in the trash.
Sharps/syringes/needleHHW event in Commercial Biohazard Container only. These can be purchased at many drug stores and pharmacies or online. Call the HHW Hotline at (408) 299-7300.
Miscellaneous 
Ammunition

County of Santa Clara Sheriff Dept.

(408) 299-2622 or Local Police Department

AsbestosAsbestos should be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste program. Items must be double bagged with each bag weighing no more than 50 lbs. Residents should not try to remove or break Asbestos themselves, because particles will become airborne.
Dirt-contaminatedUp to 5 gallons acceptable at HHW Events.
DrumsCall HHW Hotline for local businesses that accept Drums or visit www.calmax.org.
Fire extinguishersHHW Event or Brown’s Fire Equipment Co. (831) 429-9096 will recharge empty extinguishers or $5 disposal fee.
Fireworks

County of Santa Clara Sheriff Dept.

(408)299-2622 or Local Police Department

Paint brushes/rollersAllow to dry and place in garbage or bring to HHW event if still wet or pliable.
Precious metalsCall HHW Hotline for local metal recyclers or vendors or click here to link to the Center for the Development of Recycling.
Railroad tiesCall Guadalupe Landfill (408) 268-1666
RefrigeratorCall (408) 268-1670 for disposal service. Residents of South County can call the San Martin Transfer Station at (408) 683-4443. Residents of San Jose can call Recycle Plus at (408) 277-2700. Residents of Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Palo Alto can call the Sunnyvale Smart Station at (408) 752-8530.