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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program

Environmental Health Services

Divisions / Environmental Health Services / Waste, Recycling & Safe Disposal / Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program
San Mateo County’s HHW Program helps residents reuse, recycle or responsibly manage residential hazardous waste for free. There are multiple easy and free ways to safely and properly remove HHW from your home. County residents can:
  1. Local Drop-off locations: Find convenient, local recycling and disposal options for paint, electronics, batteries, fluorescent lights, medicines and propane tanks.
  2. Curbside Pick up: Take advantage of battery (and in select cities, used oil) pick-up on your recycle/garbage collection day. Check your hauler for details.
  3. Make an HHW drop-off appointment online, or call 650-372-6200. Review the program rules and schedule an appointment that’s convenient for you.
For all things HHW, our new HHW Guide is a cache of safe disposal options, all contained in one place. Do you prefer to drop off items at a one-day event, a local business or curbside resources for batteries? It’s all here. Safe alternatives to hazardous cleaning products and information on what makes HHW hazardous round out the topics. Read the Complete Guide to Household Hazardous Waste below.

E-Vapes

Find information about e-cigarettes and vapes, including health risks and safe disposal options.

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Free Product Give Away Program

Find details on county events offering free compost bins, reusable bags and other products to help residents reduce waste and support environmental sustainability.

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MOVING? What you need to know about household hazardous waste

Find essential tips and rules for ensuring safe, clean and proper waste disposal during your move in or out of San Mateo County residences.

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Curbside Pick-Up Options

Find details on your residential curbside collection services, including recycling, compost, trash and used oil/filter pickup options in San Mateo County.

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What Goes Where

Find quick guidance on sorting everyday items—recycling, compost, trash and hazardous waste—to ensure proper disposal and protect public health in San Mateo County.

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Middle & High School Education Program

Explore educational resources and workshops to teach students and staff how to safely manage and dispose of household hazardous waste.

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Where to Recycle Fluorescent Lights

Find free drop-off locations for recycling fluorescent lamps, bulbs and tubes across San Mateo County to prevent hazardous waste and promote environmental safety.

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Recycle Batteries Right

Locate convenient, free drop-off locations for household batteries throughout San Mateo County to ensure safe and responsible disposal.

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Make an HHW Drop-Off Appointment

Book your appointment to safely dispose of paint, batteries, solvents and other household hazardous waste at San Mateo County’s drop-off facility.

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Events

Today

  • Marine Flares Collection Event

    Pillar Point Harbor 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA, United States

    Marine flares collection event - open to San Mateo County residents and businesses.

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