Get a Handle on Your Household Hazardous Waste

You may be surprised to know that you have hazardous waste in your home. In fact, any household product that is flammable, corrosive, toxic or can explode under certain circumstances is considered household hazardous waste. Though we may not think of things like paint, oil, pesticides, electronics, batteries, or household cleaners as hazardous, their chemical composition makes them a potential danger to our safety and our waterways.

When household hazardous waste is not disposed of properly it can seep into our groundwater or wash into our storm drains and flow untreated to our waterways. Once in water, these pollutants are not only dangerous for our local wildlife but can be harmful to human health. Therefore, it’s important to use proper handling procedures for any outdoor use of a hazardous product, including not washing down areas where chemicals were applied, and disposing of household hazardous waste properly at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCC).

Finding a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center

Looking to get rid of some household hazardous waste?  The County of Orange operates four HHWCC locations where residents can dispose of items for free. Additionally, many cities offer their own hazardous waste program or hold e-waste collection events with locations in your area. To find collection centers or events near you, contact your city recycling coordinator or visit your city’s recycling page listed here.

If you are disposing of used car oil, batteries, or paint, there are many retailers in your own neighborhood that may accept these products. Some retailers include local auto parts stores and local paint stores that you may be familiar with already. All locations that sell paint accept your used paint!  To find the oil service center nearest you, use Orange County’s used oil service center finder tool. When recycling batteries you can take them to retailers that sell your type of batteries. To find a battery retailer near you, use a locator tool listed here.

Dispose of your waste properly.

You are the solution to runoff pollution. Many friends and neighbors have successfully recycled their hazardous waste. Now you can too! Follow these six steps:

1. Never mix different types of waste into one container. This is not only potentially dangerous, but it will also disqualify your waste from being accepted by your HHWCC.
2. Keep your waste in its original container. This will help make sure that the container you are using is safe and accepted by your HHWCC.
3. Make sure there are no cracks or leaks in the container.
4. Place a lid or top on your container to prevent any leaks. Lids must be on to be accepted at your HHWCC.
5. Make sure the original container is clearly labeled with the type of waste it is. If not, make sure to clearly label it. For example, for pesticide sprays you would write “pesticide.”
6. Find and drop off your hazardous waste at the HHWCC location nearest you or call your local trash company to schedule hazardous waste pick up.