Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes materials such as, but not limited to, cleaning products, paints, electronic devices, batteries, and auto products. Throwing these materials in the trash, down storm drains, on the ground, or in the sewer system puts oceans and groundwater at risk and is illegal.

Examples of Household Hazardous Waste

  • Electronic Devices: computers, televisions, cellphones, and DVD players
  • Batteries: most household batteries, such as rechargeable nickel-cadmium, silver button, mercury, and alkaline batteries
  • Electric Lamps: fluorescent tubes and bulbs, electric lamps that contain added mercury or lead
  • Mercury Containing Equipment: thermostats, switches, thermometers, pressure or vacuum gauge dilator and weighted tubing, and gas flow regulators
  • CRTs: the glass picture tubes removed from devices such as televisions and computer monitors
  • Non-empty Aerosol Cans: spray paint, hairspray, cleaners, and lubricants
 

Drop Off Locations

Permanent Drop-off Facilities & HHW Reuse Center

S.A.F.E. Collection Center - Drop off Center
1400 North Gaffey St
San Pedro, Ca 90021
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 Hills, 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.

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

Hazardous Waste for Businesses

Hazardous Waste generated by businesses are 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.

Medicine and Sharps

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, 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. 

Never put sharps in your trash or recycling containers. 

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

Used Motor Oil Recycling

Find a drop-off location (opens in a new window)

Turn in your used motor oil and filters to a certified recycling center and get 40 cents per gallon or an equivalent coupon back. The Torrance certified centers in the link above will accept used motor oil and filters as indicated.  

Contaminated oil

Please do not mix used motor oil with other substances, as contaminated oil will not be accepted. Take contaminated oil to a hazardous waste drop-off location. 

Recycling used motor oil saves natural resources and prevents contamination of groundwater and our oceans. Oil never wears out, it just gets dirty. Recycling your oil will clean it and make it usable once again.  

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

           

Additional Programs for Specific Materials

 

Related Information

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