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.

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.

• 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.

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

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