What is hazardous waste and where to drop it off? It is products or solutions that are known to cause threats to public health, the environment, and even your household.

It usually has one or more traits: Ignitability, Reactivity, Corrosivity, or Toxicity. It can also come in gas, liquid, or solid. States regulate how to dispose of dangerous goods properly, and it should not be trashed, recycled, or composted. Most cities or counties have contracts with companies to provide designated areas to dispose of it properly.

If you would like to learn where to dispose of your dangerous waste, you can contact your local provider.

For more information on local locations, contact:

Alameda County:   Stopwaste

             Phone:                   510-891-6550

              Alameda County Website              

Contra Costa County:  Contra Costa Solid Waste & Recycling

                Phone:                  800-750-4096

                Contra Costa County Website              

Marin County:  Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility

                Phone:                   415-485-6806

                Marin County Website              

San Francisco County:  Recology

                Contact:                hhw@recology.com

                San Francisco County Website              

San Mateo County:  San Mateo Household Hazardous Waste

                Phone:                   650-372-6200

                San Mateo County Website              

Santa Clara County:  Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program             

                Phone:                  408-299-7300

                Santa Clara County Website