Make an HHW Drop-Off Appointment

Post April 23, 2018

Drop-off appointments are free for all San Mateo County residents. Here are the steps you need to take:
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Review the program rules and requirements, and list of items that are and are not accepted through the program.
Choose a day, time, and location that’s convenient for you using our online appointment system. Or you may call 650-372-6200 to make an appointment. Your name and address are used strictly to confirm that you live in San Mateo County. This information is not shared with anyone or for any other purpose.
Arrive at the drop-off location that is sent to you once you finalize your appointment at the selected appointment day and time.
Once at the drop-off location, stay inside your vehicle at all times. Our friendly professional staff will unload your vehicle while you wait.

Prepare for your appointment by following appointment procedures below click here to read our appointment FAQs.

PROGRAM RULES & REQUIREMENTS

How To Prepare your HHW for Transportation and Safe Management

Limit: 10 Gallons or 50 Pounds of Waste per Appointment

State regulations prohibit you from transporting more than 10 liquid gallons or 50 solid pounds of hazardous waste in your vehicle at one time. If you have more than 10 gallons or 50 pounds of waste, you can make multiple appointments.

If your waste exceeds this amount:

Estimate the amount of actual product in the container.
Make one appointment per vehicle for each 10 gallons or 50 pounds of hazardous waste.
Make additional appointments as needed.
Drop-off 10 gallons at the first appointment, return to your home and pick up the remaining 10 gallons, then return to the drop-off location to dispose of your remaining waste at your second appointment.

There is no limit to the number of appointments you may make per event, but you cannot transport greater than 10 gallons per vehicle load/appointment.

Limit: The Program Cannot Accept Containers Larger Than 5 Gallons

The Program only accepts containers that are 5 gallons or less in size. If you have waste in an oversized container larger than 5 gallons:

Get buckets with lids that are no larger than 5 gallons in size.
Transfer waste from larger containers into the 5-gallon buckets and secure the lid.
Label the 5-gallon buckets with the name and description of the original product.

IMPORTANT: KEEP YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES SAFE. DO NOT MIX ANY WASTE.

Prepare for Your Appointment by Following These Steps

Keep your waste in its original, non-leaking containers.
For waste in original containers with intact and legible labels, place items in boxes or crates — this is best for keeping waste containers upright for safer transport, avoiding spills. Do not use plastic bags.
For waste without a label, or not in the original containers, please tell County staff what it is, or otherwise attach a label indicating what it is.
Do not place items in plastic garbage bags.
For fragile or leaking containers, place them in a larger container such as a large bucket with a secure lid to safely contain leaking material.
Place the waste containers upright in sturdy cardboard boxes or bins.
You may line the box or bin with plastic — do not use plastic bags alone.
Place the prepared wastes in the back of your vehicle.
If you would like to keep your waste container (e.g. red gasoline can), make an appointment at a collection event in the City of San Mateo.
Remove any other items not intended for disposal from the back of your vehicle.
Avoid bringing pets or plan to keep them secured.
REMEMBER: NEVER MIX WASTE. IT’S DANGEROUS.

What To Expect At Your Appointment

Staff will greet you, take a brief survey, and unload the waste from your vehicle for you.

Stay inside of your vehicle
Turn off your engine
Extinguish any smoking materials

Still have questions?

Read our Program FAQ or email us at hhw@smcgov.org or call (650) 372-6200.

SELECT YOUR HHW DROP-OFF DAY, TIME, AND LOCATION
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IMPORTANT NOTICES: HHW drop-off events occur in Daly City, East Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay, La Honda, Menlo Park, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Mateo, and South San Francisco. Household hazardous waste events (HHW) may be canceled due to poor air quality.

The HHW facility in San Mateo will be closed December 25-28, 2024, and no Drop-off events are scheduled during that time. Events will resume on January 4, 2025.

The Product Giveaway Program located at the HHW facility in San Mateo will close on Saturday, December 21, 2024 and reopen on Thursday, January 9, 2025.