Learn more about San Mateo County Health.
The Health Executive Council includes San Mateo County Health’s chief, deputy chief, health officer and other division and team leaders.
Stay informed on upcoming events from San Mateo County Health.
Learn how San Mateo County Health’s Health Coverage Unit can help you apply for Medi-Cal, get enrollment assistance and find low-cost health care options.
Find key phone numbers, department contacts and media inquiries at San Mateo County Health.
Find health services, programs and resources we offer. Get connected to care, support and information that can help you and your family stay healthy.
Through our divisions’ work, we protect San Mateo County by reducing environmental health risks, preventing disease, and promoting the physical and mental well-being of our entire community.
Protection, support and advocacy for older adults and persons with disabilities.
Regulatory oversight of public and private emergency medical services.
Protects the health of everyone in San Mateo County.
Provides mental health and substance use services.
Environmental Health Services is the local authority on environmental health and safety policy and enforcement.
Provides integrated medical, dental, mental health and chemical dependency treatment to the incarcerated adult population.
Focuses on early intervention with San Mateo County parents and children who are low-income and have faced health inequities
Learn more about Health Officer and her work in San Mateo County
Provides accessible, high-quality care with a focus on prevention and community partnership.
We are a public hospital and clinic system that serves all San Mateo County residents by providing accessible, high-quality care with a focus on prevention and community partnership.
Get more information about how to create or log in to your MyChart.
We offer comprehensive preventative care, diagnostics and treatment for adults.
We provide comprehensive care for women's reproductive, hormonal and general health across all life stages.
We have expertise in specialized medical care.
We provide care for teeth and gum conditions.
We provide other services including rehabilitation, lab, imaging and therapy.
Available 24/7, we provide Immediate medical care for urgent, life-threatening conditions and injuries.
We provide full hospital care and comfort, including pain and symptom relief for serious illnesses.
San Mateo County Health partners with community members through boards, commissions and initiatives that guide programs, shape policies and promote equity
Environmental Health Services
Vapes or e-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol or vapor. There are many shapes, sizes, and types. The devices can be called many different things including but not limited to vape pen, e-cigarette, e-cig, e-cigar, e-pipe, mod, and pod mod. Many vapes contain nicotine and some may contain cannabis.
In addition to being hazardous to health, these devices also pose threats to our environment. Vapes typically contain multiple types of hazardous components, including:
As a result, these devices must be disposed of as hazardous waste and can NOT be put inside your household trash. Placing these devices in the trash or recycling is illegal and dangerous for waste haulers. Do NOT dispose of e-liquid down the drain.
Make an appointment through the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program. There is no cost.
Businesses and schools may NOT use the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program.
When any business (private or public) generates hazardous waste, they must comply with federal and state hazardous waste generator requirements including identifying and characterizing hazardous waste, counting waste to determine generator status, and specific handling and management requirements discussed below related to vapes and hazardous waste management.
Schools may become hazardous waste generators when they confiscate e-cigarettes.
Our Vape and E-Cigarette Disposal for Parents flyer in the resource library below can be distributed to parents.
If you are a business or school, you may be eligible to use the VSQG Program. Sites that generate less than 27 gallons (100 kg) of hazardous waste per month and 2.2 pounds (1 kg) or less of acutely hazardous waste per month like nicotine can dispose of their hazardous waste through the VSQG Program. VSQG businesses can drop off up to 20 vapes at a time. See the VSQG website for additional limitations and program requirements.
If a business or school does not meet these VSQG thresholds, it is regulated as either a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) or Large Quantity Generator (LQG), depending on the amount of hazardous waste produced. SQGs and LQGs must use a registered hazardous waste hauler to transport nicotine waste. Facilities that generate more than 100 kg of hazardous waste per month or more than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste, such as nicotine, are required to schedule a hazardous waste pickup through a registered hazardous waste hauler.
For additional requirements that apply to schools and businesses, see the Emerging Wastes section of the Hazardous Waste Generator Program page.