Household hazardous waste (HHW) consists of leftover household products containing chemical ingredients that can be harmful or dangerous to humans, animals, and the environment. HHW can only legally be transported by the person or persons who generated that waste. 

Common HHW items include batteries, paint and paint thinners, pesticides, fertilizers, solvents, and degreasers.

Whether you’re moving out, moving in, or assisting clients as a realtor, this guide will help you safely manage HHW and ensure a smooth transition.

Selling or moving out?

As a homeowner or renter, you are legally responsible for properly disposing of  HHW before moving. Realtors and property owners cannot legally transport HHW for you—so be sure to take the necessary steps to properly dispose of HHW.

How to Safely Dispose of HHW Before You Move:

1. Drop off your paint, small batteries, fluorescent lights, and used motor oil/filters at designated collection sites

• Paint, small batteries, fluorescent lights, and used motor oil can be dropped off at select retail collection sites in San Mateo County.
  • Paint and primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings can be dropped off at a PaintCare location. Visit paintcare.org to find one near you.
  • Used motor oil, batteries, and fluorescent lights can be dropped off at select retail locations. Visit smchealth.org/post/hhw-most-wanted to find one near you.

2. Take advantage of your hauler’s curbside pick-up for small batteries

• All San Mateo County waste haulers (garbage companies such as Recology and Republic Services) collect small batteries at the curb on regular garbage/recycling days. Your hauler also may collect used motor oil and filters. Contact your local hauler and visit smchealth.org/curbside for more information.
• Apartment complexes can offer orange battery buckets for collection and recycling, provided by waste haulers. Don’t have one? Ask your property manager about getting one!

3. Schedule a free HHW drop-off appointment

• HHW items that are NOT accepted at retail collection sites or at the curb, for example cleaning products, solvents, degreasers, propane cylinders, and aerosol cans, can be taken to an HHW drop-off event. 
• Learn which items are and are not accepted through the HHW program. You can bring up to 10 gallons or 50 pounds of waste per vehicle. Have more? Book multiple appointments as needed. The Program also provides alternative recycling/safe management options for you to consider. Book an appointment here.

Moving into a new place?

Congratulations on the move! Before moving in, kindly ask your realtor or new property owner to remind the current occupants to properly dispose of their HHW. You can even refer them to the above list of options.

Already moved in and found HHW left behind?

• This is considered illegally abandoned waste by the previous owner or renter.
• You may wish to document the waste and take legal action if necessary.
• For disposal options, contact HHW Program staff at (650) 372-6200.

Are You a Realtor?

As a realtor, you are dedicated to your buyers, sellers, or renters. This may mean that you are tempted to transport your client’s HHW for them if they’re short on time or in a bind. However, it is illegal to transport HHW that does not belong to you.

DO NOT OFFER TO TRANSPORT HHW FOR YOUR CLIENT.

Offering to transport HHW for a client means that you are subject to hazardous waste transportation regulations and fees. As a hazardous waste transporter, you are subject to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations and requirements of a license, registration, insurance, training, certification, and documentation. Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties.

Instead, guide your clients to proper disposal options:

• Encourage your sellers, buyers, and renters to visit smchealth.org/hhw to learn about  safe HHW management options as early as possible.
• HHW drop-off events occur monthly throughout the County, but events in the City of San Mateo occur each Thursday, Friday, and (most) Saturdays – plan ahead!

Moving can be stressful, but managing HHW doesn’t have to be! Take the right steps to dispose of hazardous waste properly and ensure a smooth, responsible move.

Need more assistance? Contact hhw@smcgov.org or call (650) 372-6200.