Household Hazardous Waste

With all of California's concern for the environment, it might surprise you that we're not #1 in the nation in management of household waste and landfills. Also surprising is that it's not just the government, major nonprofits, or think-tanks that perform and compile the research; one of the best known and broadly quoted is by the lawn care company LawnStarter. Who knew?

California's continued push on recycling and tough new laws on food and plastic waste took us from LawnStarter’s #5 in the nation for waste management last year to #2 this year, which is great, but today, we're talking about the stuff that should never reach a waste bin, be it blue, green or black. We're talking about hazardous waste and how you can make a difference by disposing of it properly.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is any product labeled toxic, poisonous, combustible, corrosive, irritant, or flammable. Here's the short list of items that most households have:

• Electronic waste such as computers, monitors, TVs, printers, network equipment, cables, telephones, microwaves, video games, cell phones, radios, stereos, VCRs, and electronic toys

• Household cleaning products

• Paint and paint-related substances (solvents, like turpentine)

• Automotive products such as oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, oil filters

• Pool chemicals

• Garden chemicals including fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides

• Car batteries and household batteries (A, AA, AAA, nickel cadmium, alkaline, lithium)

• Fluorescent light bulbs

• Aerosol cans (not just spray paint--think hairspray or cooking spray as well)

• Medicine & sharps*

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program gives Los Angeles County residents FREE and convenient ways to dispose of unwanted items that cannot be thrown in the regular trash. By law, these products must be properly recycled or disposed of at a hazardous waste facility. Hazardous waste from a single home may seem insignificant; but when millions of homes across Los Angeles County use similar products, the combined effect becomes a major problem. To combat this, L.A. has 7 S.A.F.E. Centers where you can drop off these items for free and mobile collection events. You can view the schedule for these events and centers at https://pw.lacounty.gov/general/enotifyCalendar/Calendar.aspx

How to prepare your stuff for drop-off:

• Pack HHW/E-Waste in carbord boxes to avoid spillage during transport. Be prepared to leave your containers and boxes at the site.

• Do not mix products. Keep items in their original container.

• Put like chemicals together. Separate unlike chemicals.

• Label materials that are not in their original containers.

• Make sure containers are not leaking and lids are tightly sealed.

• Put your boxes in your car trunk, away from passengers during transport. Remove all other items from the trunk.

• At the event, trained personnel will ask you to remain in your car while they remove the HHW from your trunk.

There are items that are not accepted...How do you get rid of these?

• HHW and electronic waste from businesses: Find a reputable waste disposal company.

• Explosives, marine flares, and radioactive materials: Contact your local fire department or the Dept. of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) hotline (800-728-6942) for assistance in identifying disposal options.

• Firearms and ammunition: Turn these into your local police department.

• Tires: City of Los Angeles residents may drop off up to four automobile tires per calendar year by visiting the closest Sanitation District Office between the hours of 8:00am-1:00pm. (West Los Angeles District, 2027 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025, East Valley District, 11050 Pendleton Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352; Harbor District, 1400 North Gaffey, San Pedro, CA 90731; North Central District, 452 North San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031; South Los Angeles District, 786 South Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90023)

• White goods (refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, etc.): LA Sanitation (LASAN) will pick up large metal and household appliances from residents serviced by LASAN, free of charge. To schedule these items for pick-up, please call 1-800-773-2489 at least one day before your regular collection day.

• *Generated Sharps Waste and Unused Medications: S.A.F.E. Centers take sharps and meds, but you may also drop off at designated Sheriff’s stations. For additional disposal options near you, visit www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org or check with your medical provider.

We have a designated area in our garage for HHW. Everyone in the house knows where it is and is careful to put their batteries, spray cans, and other HHW in the boxes there.

Thanks for being a Californian who cares about the environment. We all want to leave our children a better planet.