What Goes Where
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 |
|---|---|
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Aerosol cans (spray paints, hair spray, and other aerosol sprays EXCEPT food grade products like cooking oil sprays) |
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Art and hobby supplies (photo chemicals, glues) |
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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: |
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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. |
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Cosmetics (nail polish, nail polish remover, perfumes, etc.) |
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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/ |
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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 Rhino, Pick-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 |
|---|---|
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Ammunition, explosives, fireworks, gun powder |
Contact local law enforcement and/or San Mateo County Sheriffs for explosives destruction: smcsheriff.com/firearms-destruction |
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Appliances |
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Asbestos |
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/ |
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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
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| 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 |
Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC): |
| Sharps, lancets, needles | |
| 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 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.