Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Permanent Drop-off Facilities & HHW Reuse Center

S.A.F.E. Collection Center - Drop off Center
1400 North Gaffey St
San Pedro, CA 90731
Open Saturdays & Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Except holidays and rainy days.

EDCO Recycling and Transfer Center - Drop off and HHW Reuse Center
2755 California Ave
Signal Hill, CA 90807
Open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Save money and reduce waste by picking up FREE partially used products such as household cleaners, lawn and garden products, paint and more at the EDCO Recycling and Transfer Environmental collection center. LA County residents may choose up to five items per week, per household. Products and availability may vary.

Paints - free drop-off recycling program

Electronic waste only - Best Buy

Drop off location for other materials - Earth 911

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Events

Free, one-day, periodic collection events are provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Events are usually on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 

For the current schedule of events with location maps and additional information, please call 888-CLEANLA or visit CleanLA Website.

Preparing for an Event

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 label
• Put in sturdy box in trunk of car
• No explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials will be accepted

Batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, and earbuds, should never go in your trash or recycling cart. They can cause fires in collection trucks and at recycling facilities, putting sanitation workers and your community at risk.

Types of batteries and what to do with them:

• Rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride): Found in phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, e-bikes, and cordless devices. Do not put in trash or recycling. Drop off for free at a participating retailer near you.
• Lithium primary batteries (single-use lithium): Found in cameras, smoke detectors, and some medical devices. Do not put in trash or recycling. Drop off at a participating location.
• Button/coin cell batteries: Found in watches, hearing aids, and small electronics. Do not put in trash or recycling. Drop off at a participating location.
• Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): Accepted at many of the same locations. Do not put in trash or recycling. Check the locator to confirm availability near you.

Find a free drop-off location near you → call2recycle.org/locator

All battery types can also be dropped off at any LA County S.A.F.E. Center or CleanLA mobile collection event. See Drop Off Locations above.

Before you drop off: Tape the terminals of lithium batteries with clear tape or place each battery in its own plastic bag. This prevents short-circuiting during transport and storage.

Medical sharps are used in many homes to administer medications, such as allergy shots and insulin, and to monitor physical states such as blood sugar levels. It is illegal to put medical sharps, such as pen needles, intravenous or hypodermic needles, syringes, and lancets in the trash, recycling, or organics container.  

To properly store medical sharps prior to disposal: 

Place in a rigid, hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on or tight-fitting lid, such as a plastic laundry detergent container or coffee can. The container should be puncture-resistant and leak-proof. Once the container is full, close the lid tightly and seal it with duct tape. Mark the container very clearly "SHARPS." 

Containers specifically made for sharps storage can be purchased at pharmacies or medical supply stores. 

To Properly Dispose of Medical Sharps 

Medical sharps are a hazardous waste that cannot be disposed with regular trash. Take to a hazardous waste drop off event or permanent hazardous waste facility. 

Sharps Disposal

• Safe Drug & Sharps Disposal Map
• Sheriff's Station Drop Box Locations(PDF, 2MB)

Medication Disposal

• Retail Drug Disposal Locator

• No Drugs Down the Drain Program 

For more information, please contact the City of Torrance Public Works Department at 310-781-6900. 

Hazardous Waste generated by businesses is not eligible for the free Residential Hazardous Waste Collection events. Your current waste hauler may offer hazardous waste disposal services, or you may find a licensed hauler from the City's listing of permitted companies. Your company may also qualify for the Small Quantity Generator Collection program available to all Los Angeles County businesses. 

Small Quantity Generator Program 

If your business is located in the County of Los Angeles and generates less than 220 pounds or 27 gallons of hazardous waste (e.g., paints, solvents, aerosol cans, photographic chemicals or asbestos) per month, you may be eligible for the: 

City of Los Angeles Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) Collection Program 

This program provides generators of small or periodic amounts of hazardous waste with: 

• Competitive pricing as compared with private hazardous waste transporters
• Exemption from hazardous waste manifest filing and document fees
• Reduction in State and Federal taxes on hazardous waste disposal

Participation is by appointment only. For more information or to register for the program, please call the City of Los Angeles at 800-98-TOXIC / 800-988-6942 or 213-473-8277. A disposal fee will be charged based on the type and amount of waste.