Household Hazardous Waste

Many common products used in daily lives contain potentially hazardous materials and require special care when disposed of. It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) in the garbage, down storm drains, or onto the ground. Chemicals in illegally or improperly disposed hazardous waste can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibly the food we eat. And by throwing hazardous waste in the garbage, you can cause additional hazards to your garbage handler.

How to Dispose of HHW

Los Angeles County HHW Collection Events

View a list of upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events sponsored by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Events are generally held on Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm (unless specified otherwise). The events are free to attend and there are multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles region.

• Limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds per vehicle.
• Do not mix materials - leave products in original container with original labeling and place them in a sturdy cardboard box in the trunk of your car.
• No waste from businesses will be accepted.
• No tires, explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials will be accepted.
• Takes just minutes and you never leave your car.

City of Los Angeles' S.A.F.E. Centers

The City of Los Angeles has 7 S.A.F.E. Collection Centers for residents of the City and County of Los Angeles. Centers accept solvents, automotive, flammables, and electronics. Sites are generally open on Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm (unless specified otherwise).

Two S.A.F.E. Collection Centers closest to Alhambra:

• LA/Glendale S.A.F.E. Center -- 4600 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles -- Open Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 3 pm.
• Washington Blvd. S.A.F.E. Center -- 2649 E. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, -- Open Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 3 pm.

View S.A.F.E. Centers PDF here.

What to bring to a HHW Event

• Bring any product labeled toxic, poison, corrosive, flammable, combustible or an irritant.
• Lawn/Garden Care Products: Bug spray; Pesticide/ insecticide/herbicide; fertilizer; fungicide; weed killer.
• Paint and Paint-Related Products: Latex/water-based paint and oil-based paint; turpentine paint stripper; paint thinner; rust remover; varnish.
• Automotive Fluids and Batteries: Used motor oil and filters; kerosene; windshield washer solution; brake and  transmission fluid; metal polish with solvent; gasoline and diesel fuel; auto body repair products; antifreeze; lead acid batteries.
• Beauty Products and Medicines: Alcohol-based lotions/isopropyl alcohol; medicine; hair relaxers, dyes and permanents; nail polish and nail polish remover; products in aerosol cans.
• Household Cleaners: Ammonia-based cleaners; floor care products; window cleaners; metal polish and cleaners; oven and drain cleaners; aerosol cleaners; furniture polish; tub, tile and toilet bowl cleaners.
• Miscellaneous: Fluorescent lights; photographic chemicals; shoe polish; swimming pool chemicals; glue; mercury thermometers; lighter fluid; fiberglass epoxy; moth balls; mercury batteries.
• Sharps Waste and Medication: See Sharps Waste & Medication Disposal page.