Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste may NOT be disposed of in the trash!Household hazardous waste (HHW) is any materials discarded from homes that may cause a human or environmental hazard when disposed of improperly. When disposed of improperly, these wastes can cause serious threats to people, wildlife and the environment.
What is considered HHW?
Household hazardous waste falls into four basic categories:
Flammables include paints, dry or wet, petroleum based products, and polishes.
Corrosives include acids, bases, batteries, and drain clog remover.
Toxics include poisons, pesticides, gardening chemicals, ammonia, and solvents.
Oxidizers include pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and perchlorates.
Other miscellaneous include propane, helium, small oxygen tanks, smoke detectors.
How can I properly dispose of HHW?
Residents can dispose of their household hazardous waste through the Santa Clara Country Hazardous Waste Program. Drop off facilities are open several days each month. To find the date and location of the next event, and schedule an appointment, please call (408) 299-7300.
Important Note:
Like HHW, electronic waste cannot be disposed of in the trash. Computers, switches and monitors are examples of electronic waste. For more information on electronic waste, and how to dispose of it properly, please visit our Electronic Waste page.
DON'T GET STUCK WITH YOUR SHARPS!
Beginning on September 1, 2008, a new state law takes effect that will make it illegal to dispose of sharps waste in the trash or recycling containers. It requires that all sharps waste be transported to a collection center in an approved sharps container. Home-generated sharps waste includes hypodermic needles, syringes and lancets that are used for medical purposes. Improper disposal of sharps waste not only poses a threat of environmental contamination of surface and groundwater, but may also affect the health and safety of sanitation workers, adults, children and even pets.
Beginning on September 1, 2008, a new state law takes effect that will make it illegal to dispose of sharps waste in the trash or recycling containers. It requires that all sharps waste be transported to a collection center in an approved sharps container. Home-generated sharps waste includes hypodermic needles, syringes and lancets that are used for medical purposes. Improper disposal of sharps waste not only poses a threat of environmental contamination of surface and groundwater, but may also affect the health and safety of sanitation workers, adults, children and even pets.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR SHARPS WASTE?
Take-back Programs By Doctors, Pharmacies, Hospitals and Medical Clinics:
Place home-generated sharps waste in biohazard containers. The containers are available for purchase at local pharmacies and some office supply stores. Then contact your health care providers, local pharmacists, hospitals or clinics to ask if they offer a take-back program.
Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Program:
Drop-Off Sites:
Note: Residents MUST place sharps waste in biohazard sharps containers, which are available for purchase at your local pharmacy, before bringing it to sharps waste drop-off locations.
Cupertino
Cupertino Fire Station
20215 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA
Biohazard Sharps Container Size Requirement: 1 or 1.5 quart size for drop-off box
Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale Material and Recovery Transfer Station (SMaRT Station)
301 Carl Road
Sunnyvale, CA
Tel: 408-752-8530
For more information on pharmacies and other locations that accept used sharps waste within the Santa Clara County or to use its Online Appointment System to dispose of your sharps waste, visit Santa Clara Department of Health: Household Hazardous Waste Program or call 408-299-7300.
Mail Back Services:
If you purchase sharps on-line, please remember to request a pre-addressed, prepaid mail-back box for your used sharps. A list of mail back services can be found at California Department of Health: Medical Waste Management Program.
Visit California Integrated Waste Board for a list of companies that are authorized to provide sharps waste mail back services in California.