City of Torrance - Household Hazardous Waste

Hazardous and electronic waste is any discarded material that threatens public health, safety, and the environment due to its chemical nature. Throwing these materials in the trash, down storm drains, on the ground, or in the sewer system puts oceans and groundwater at risk.

You must dispose of hazardous waste and electronics in one of the following ways:

1. Dispose of household hazardous waste and electronics safely by bringing them to a free, household hazardous waste and electronics roundup or permanent drop-off facility.

FREE PERMANENT DROP-OFF FACILITY

S.A.F.E. COLLECTION CENTER

1400 NORTH GAFFEY ST

SAN PEDRO, CA 90021

THIS SAN PEDRO SITE IS OPEN SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. EXCEPT HOLIDAYS AND RAINY DAYS. THERE IS A LIMIT OF SIX (6) ELECTRONIC ITEMS PER VISIT. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE.

A NEW PERMANENT DROP-OFF SITE STARTING MARCH 9, 2013

EDCO RECYCLING AND TRANSFER CENTER

2755 CALIFORNIA AVE

SIGNAL HILL, CA 90807

THIS SIGNAL HILL DROP-OFF SITE WILL BE OPEN THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. Click here for flyer.

2. Free, one-day, periodic roundups are provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Nearly every weekend, there is a roundup somewhere in L.A. County that provides a safe and convenient way to dispose and recycle household hazardous waste and electronics.

Upcoming events in the City of Torrance area are: .

June 15, 2013, CITY OF TORRANCE, American Honda, 1919 Torrance Blvd. (Enter from Harper's Way off Van Ness Ave.)

June 22, 2013, CITY OF PASADENA, The Rose Bowl, Parking Lot "K", 1001 Rose Bowl Blvd. at Seco St. and Arroyo Blvd.

June 29, 2013, CULVER CITY, National Guard Armory, 10808 Culver Blvd. at Elenda St.

July 6, 2013, CITY OF COMPTON, Compton Airport, 901 W. Alondra Blvd. at Wilmington Ave.

ROUNDUPS ARE ON SATURDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

For more information and a schedule of roundups with location maps, please call 1-888-CLEANLA or click here for the Sanitation District's website

To drop off hazardous materials, just load your materials in a sturdy box in the trunk of your car and drive through the drop-off area. The materials will be taken from your car quickly and safely - it's that easy!

REMEMBER:
Limit of 15 gallons or 125 lbs. per vehicle
Do not mix materials, keep in original containers with original labels
Put in sturdy box in trunk of car
No explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials will be accepted

3. FOR RECYCLING OF ELECTRONICS: WALSERS ART SUPPLY IS A FREE, CERTIFIED DROP OFF FOR ELECTRONICS RECYCLING. They will accept materials from both residents and businesses. They also recycle appliances, metal, glass, paper, plastics, and they offer pick up service for a fee. Click here for more information

4. It is illegal to throw medical sharps in the trash or recycling. Click here for more information.

L.A. County Sheriff's Department has drop-off locations for medical sharps and all drugs and medicines. Click here to go to their website for more information .

Did you know that all paints, batteries, cleaners with acid or lye, pesticides, contaminated used oil, paint thinners, nail polish remover, and even fluorescent bulbs, cell phones, microwave ovens, TVs, computer monitors, and syringes are considered hazardous waste?

Some household hazardous wastes can be identified by having one of these words on the label:

Explosive or Reactive (can detonate or explode through exposure to heat, sudden shock, or pressure)

Corrosive (can destroy and cause burns to the skin and other living tissues)

Flamable (easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly)

Toxic or poison (capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation, absorbtion or injection)