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Household Hazardous Waste
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?
Hazardous 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.
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)
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Click here for a list of examples of hazardous and electronic items.
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Electronics are hazardous as they can contain lead and other metals that are dangerous, plus they have many components that can be recycled. Some items, like microwave ovens and thermometers, contain mercury. Medical sharps (needles) used in home health care are also banned from regular trash. Click here for information on medical sharps.
You must dispose of hazardous waste in one of the following ways:
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
OPEN SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. EXCEPT HOLIDAYS AND RAINY DAYS. NOTE THAT, STARTING JULY 1, 2010, SAFE CENTERS WILL NO LONGER BE OPEN ON FRIDAYS. THERE IS A LIMIT OF SIX (6) ELECTRONIC ITEMS PER VISIT. CLICK HERE FOR .PDF FLYER AND MAP
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 of household hazardous waste.
Upcoming events in the City of Torrance area are:
- September 18, 2010, CITY OF CARSON, Joint Water Pollution Control Plant, West Maintenance Building Parking Lot, 24501 S. Figueroa St. between Lomita Blvd. and Sepulveda Blvd.
- November 20, 2010, CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, Raytheon Company, Hughes Way off of Sepulveda Blvd., Parking Lot G, between Rosecrans and El Segundo Blvd.
- December 11, 2010, CITY OF LOMITA, City Hall Parking Lot, 24300 Narbonne Ave. between Lomita Blvd. and Sepulveda Blvd.
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
It is illegal to throw medical sharps in the trash or recycling. Click here for more information.
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For more information and listings of hazardous waste items, use the following links:
Your Source for Torrance Recycling, Recycle Torrance, click here.
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The Los Angeles County Clean LA website
The Integrated Waste Management Board
The Department of Toxic Substance
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For a list of used motor oil collection centers in Torrance, click here.
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Walser's in Torrance accepts electronic waste. Click here for flyer (pdf).
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Home Depot accepts CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs. Click here for flyer (pdf).
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For recycling or safe disposal of hazardous waste from businesses:
Hazardous Waste Generated from Businesses
Businesses can also check out environmental suggestions on how to "Get Green" by clicking here.
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