Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste, keep your home toxic free!
Leftover household hazardous waste should never be thrown in the trash or recycling bin, flushed down the toilet, or dumped down the drain or storm sewer. The best way to reduce and prevent pollution from hazardous household products, protect the health of your family, and preserve the environment is to use less-toxic alternatives.
Alameda County
Residents
Drop-Off Facilities
The Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste program offers a free residential drop-off service at facilities in Oakland, Hayward, Fremont, and Livermore. Here are the Program Details & Drop-Off Instructions. New or temporary residents must bring proof of residency documentation (ex. utility bills or rental/ownership documentation).
Swap Sheds
Alameda County residents can pick up good condition household items like paint and coatings, cleaners, garden and auto products, cement, grout, glues, and more that other folks no longer needed for reuse - for free. Swap Shed hours listed in the facility links above.
One-Day Drop-Off Events
Alameda County residents can drop-off materials for free at mobile one-day drop-off events throughout the County. Here are One-Day Event Details & Drop-Off Instructions.
Businesses
- Small Business Hazardous Waste Services
Hazardous waste disposal services for qualifying Alameda County small quantity generators. - Drop-in Program for Businesses
There is a drop-in program for all Alameda County businesses that accepts: latex paint, aerosol cans, fluorescent lamps, and household batteries. - Residential Landlord Services
Rental property owners can dispose of their Alameda County tenant's hazardous waste for free.
City of Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto provides environmentally safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal for residents and small businesses.
- HHW Station
- HHW Station Accepted Items
- Physical Limitations At-Home Pick-Up
- HHW Reuse Zone
- Small Business/Non-Profit Organizations
- Transportation Requirements
- Less-Toxic Alternatives
Contra Costa County
Must be a resident or qualified small business in specified portion of Contra Costa County: East, West or Central to use these facilities (e.g. must be resident or qualified small business in West County to use West County Facility).
Please see the facility websites or call the facility directory for details on accepted items, transportation limits, delivery requirements, and operation hours.
To reach the facilities, call (800) 750-4096 and select Option 1 for the Household Hazardous Waste Program. Then select your Facility: East (Press1), West (Press 2), or Central (Press 3).
- Option 2 is for the Free Referral Service
Drop-off Locations
East County Facility - Option number 1
2550 Pittsburg-Antioch Highway, Antioch
(925) 756-1990
West County Facility - Option number 2
101 Pittsburg Ave., Richmond
(888) 412-9277
Central County Facility - Option number 3
4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez
(800) 646-1431
Local Options for Common Household Hazardous Items
- Electronics - Non-working / Working
- Paint - Interior & Exterior - Non-empty / Empty / Full
- Medications / Needles & Syringes
- Medical Equipment & Surplus / Oxygen Cylinders
- Compressed Gas Cylinders - Single Use / Refillable
Options for Other Hazardous Items:
- Explosives
- Radioactive Waste (consult a fee-based hazardous waste company that provides pick-up services)
- Railroad Ties & Treated Wood
- Compressed Gas Cylinders (other than Propane)
- Large Household Appliances (ex. A/C, Refrigerator/Freezers, Stoves/Ovens, Washer/Dryers, etc.)
- Construction and Demolition Waste
- Asbestos
These are still considered hazardous waste and should not go in the trash. *Contact a company that specializes in radioactive hazardous waste for pick-up and safe disposal (fee-based).
