Household Hazardous Waste

A Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility was proposed in Elk Grove to receive, inspect, sort, package, and ship residential hazardous wastes (batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, solvents, household cleaning products, and more).

• Where to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (Brochure)
• Painting Without Polluting (PDF)
• Transfer Station details
• What is Household Hazardous Waste?
• How can I identify Household Hazardous Waste?
• What can YOU do about Household Hazardous Waste?
• Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Locations
• Acceptable Materials
• Unacceptable Materials

Local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities:

• Sacramento Recycling & Transfer Station (Sacramento)
• North Area Recovery Station (North Highlands)

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste is not only created by industries; it also comes from our homes, cars, and yards.

Household hazardous waste includes old paint and paint-related products, pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, degreasers, car care products, and other common household products.

If carelessly managed, household hazardous waste can create environmental and public health hazards. When a toxic household product is discarded improperly it can end up in landfills or water resources.

How can I identify Household Hazardous Waste?

These categories cover most household hazardous materials:

• Corrosive: Examples are drain cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners. Corrosives have an extremely low or high pH and can burn skin and mucous membranes. Labels usually state "CORROSIVE - AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES."
• Flammables: Examples include gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, butane, oil-based paints, and paint thinners. Labels often say "EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE - KEEP AWAY FROM ANY SOURCE OF IGNITION."
• Toxic materials: Examples are benzene, cyanide compounds (found in rat fumigants), thallium sulfate (ant traps), and carbon tetrachloride (old fire extinguishers). Labels often contain "DANGER/POISON" or "WARNING - KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN."
• Oxidizer: Examples include sodium hypochlorite and various peroxides (such as chlorinated pool chemicals). These chemicals react strongly with other compounds and may cause fires or explosions.
• Inhalation hazard: Examples include windshield wiper solution and asbestos from brake shoes and clutches in older model cars and homes. Breathing fumes or dust can cause central nervous system disruption or lung problems.
• Air quality hazards: Examples include thermostats, paints that contain more than one percent heavy metals, products with significant volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nickel, cadmium, lithium, or lead-acid batteries.
• Wildlife hazards: Examples include old chlorinated pesticides such as DDT, chlordane, dieldrin, and heptachlor. These materials may be immediately toxic or bio-accumulate, creating hazards for fish and wildlife.
• Unknowns: Unidentified materials, such as those without labels, should be treated as though they belong to one of the above categories until proven otherwise.

What can YOU do about Household Hazardous Waste?

1. The best way to manage HHW is to avoid creating it. Select the least toxic product and buy only as much as you need.
2. If the product is still usable, give it away to a friend, neighbor, or community group.
3. If the product is not usable or you cannot give it away, take it to a HHW facility.
4. Read and follow directions on product use and container disposal.
5. Take used motor oil or used oil filters to a collection site or place them curbside for pickup.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Locations

For Elk Grove residents, these two facilities can be used free of charge.

At both facilities, the maximum of 15 gallons of liquid or 150 lbs. of solid material is accepted. Residents disposing of more than the allowable amount will be charged a minimum of $25 per drop-off.

Please follow these guidelines when preparing to drop off HHW at the facilities:

• Keep products in their original containers; do not mix products.
• Place leaking containers in a large plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Secure products upright in a cardboard box so they do not tip during transport.
• Transport products in the back of a pickup truck or in a car trunk. Ensure ventilation if in a passenger compartment.
• Keep flammables out of direct sunlight and away from heat, sparks, flames, or ignition. Do not smoke.

Acceptable Items

Materials dropped off by residents must be in containers that are 5 gallons or less, and must not exceed a total of 15 gallons or 125 pounds. Residents who drop off more than 125 pounds of hazardous materials will be billed $25.00 per visit. (CA Code 25218-25218.12)

Unacceptable Materials

Lumber and PVC pipes shall not exceed four inches in diameter and five feet in length.