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What Goes Where

General information

Learn which types of waste are and are not accepted in the HHW Program. You’ll also find a list of alternative safe management options for hard-to-recycle and special items.

Accepted Items 

ACCEPTABLE WASTE TYPE OTHER RECYCLING/DISPOSAL OPTIONS

Aerosol cans (spray paints, hair spray, and other aerosol sprays EXCEPT food grade products like cooking oil sprays)

 

Art and hobby supplies (photo chemicals, glues)

 

Automotive supplies (car batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, fuel additives chrome polish, many waxes)

Free convenient drop off locations also exist for the following automotive supplies:

Batteries (all household types)

Find other convenient options for battery recycling here. Please tape the terminals of Lithium (Li) batteries before recycling to protect from fires. 

Cosmetics (nail polish, nail polish remover, perfumes, etc.)

 

Compressed gases (Methyl-acetylene and Propadiene (MAPP) only)

In general, compressed gas cylinders are exempt from California regulation when they are empty. Remove the valve or otherwise create a hole in the tank to ensure it is at atmospheric pressure, and dispose at a recycling yard or a scrap metal collector. Contact the manufacturer or local metal recyclers for possible recycling. For more information, visit  Management of Compressed Gas Cylinders | CA Department of Toxic Substances Control  dtsc.ca.gov/management-of-compressed-gas-cylinders/

Fluorescent lights (all sizes and types) Only 10 fluorescent lights are allowed per appointment.

Drop-off fluorescent lights at select hardware stores. 
Fire extinguishers Residential fire extinguishers are typically dry chemical (sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate) and carbon dioxide, and are not hazardous.  These may be discharged into the regular trash. However, monoammonium phosphate is an irritant to the respiratory tract and to eyes. So, discharge the unit outside, away from kids or pets, wear goggles and a particulate mask. Then recycle the emptied unit as a plastic or metal container. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, bring them into the HHW Program.
Garden fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides  
Household cleaning chemicals (bleach, stain removers, all-purpose cleaners, polishes) Visit smchealth.org/healthyhome for less toxic cleaning alternatives.
Mercury-containing thermometers and thermostats See Thermostat Recycle Corporation for list of free convenient drop off locations.
Painting supplies and Home Improvement (Paint, spray paint, stains, thinners, varnish, epoxy, roof tar, etc.) Many paint stores now take back paint, stain, and varnish year‐round for free during their regular business hours as part of the PaintCare program.  Find locations at paintcare.org.
Poisons (powders, sprays, baits, pest killing products) Visit smchealth.org/healthyhome for safer pest control options.
Pool or spa chemicals  
Propane tanks and outdoor cooking fluids (lighter fluid, camp stove fuel, tanks for gas grills), maximum 5-gallon size

Take advantage of propane cylinder exchanges, such as Blue RhinoPick-Up Propane, and ReFuel Your Fun.

If empty: compressed gas cylinders are exempt from California regulation when they are empty. Remove the valve or otherwise create a hole in the tank to ensure it is at atmospheric pressure and dispose with solid waste. Contact local metal recyclers for possible recycling.

Unaccepted Items 

UNACCEPTABLE WASTE TYPE ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL OR RECYCLING OPTIONS

Ammunition, explosives, fireworks, gun powder

Contact local law enforcement and/or San Mateo County Sheriffs for explosives destruction: smcsheriff.com/firearms-destruction

Appliances

Find local disposal locations

Asbestos

See BAAQMD and DTSC

Contact the following Bay Area landfills:

Compressed gases (except MAPP and propane for camping stoves or barbecues)

NON-EMPTY Cylinders:

In general, compressed gas cylinders are exempt from California regulation when they are empty. Once EMPTY, remove the valve or otherwise create a hole in the tank to ensure it is at atmospheric pressure, and dispose at a recycling yard or a scrap metal collector. Contact the manufacturer or local metal recyclers for possible recycling. For more information, visit Management of Compressed Gas Cylinders | CA Department of Toxic Substances Control  dtsc.ca.gov/management-of-compressed-gas-cylinders/

Construction and demolition debris

Find local disposal locations
Cooking oil Find local disposal locations
Electronic waste Find local disposal locations
Gases (such as acetylene and oxygen)

See compressed gases above

Helium tanks (party balloon tanks) Contact the manufacturer for disposal instructions
Medical, biohazard, infectious wastes Contact the San Mateo County Medical Waste Program
Pharmaceuticals, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs Many local police stations and some pharmacies will take them back. 
Pressure-treated wood

Disposal sites and resources

Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC):

Guidance for generators

Management requirements

Sharps, lancets, needles

 Find local disposal locations

Smoke detectors Call the manufacturer for mail-back recycling; or call First Alert at 1-800-323-9005
Styrofoam Find disposal locations
Tires Find local disposal locations
Business waste

See if you quality for the Very Small Quantity Generator (Business) Program
OR
Contact a Registered Hazardous Waste Transporter

Hazardous Waste Identification (ID) Numbers | Department of Toxic Substances Control

Contact us directly at (650) 372-6200 or hhw@smcgov.org if you have questions.