Did you clean out your closets or garage while spending more time at home the past few months? If so, you likely have a pile of "stuff" to get rid of - but before you chuck it in the trash, remember...
For health, safety and environmental reasons it is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) in the garbage / recycle, down the drain drain or in storm sewers. Hazardous chemicals can "pass through" wastewater treatment processes or storm drains and get discharged into the environment. This occurs because wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove hazardous chemicals from wastewater, and many storm drains flow directly to the Bay without any treatment at all.
HHW thrown into the garbage can injure workers during collection or mix with other chemicals when buried in a landfill. Groundwater used for drinking or irrigation can be contaminated when waste products are poured onto or seep into the ground.
Dispose of your paints, cleaning chemicals, CFL bulbs, batteries, motor oil, etc. safely and at no charge at your local HHW Facility:
Residents of West County:
West Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste Facility
101 Pittsburg Avenue, North Richmond
- Wednesday through Saturday
- 9 am - 4 pm (closed 12 - 12:30 pm for lunch)
- For more information, visit recyclemore.com or call 1-888-412-9277
- For residents of Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Kensington, North Richmond, Pinole, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, and Tormey.
Residents of Central County:
Central Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez
- Monday - Saturday
- 7 am - 2 pm
- By Appointment Only!
- For more info, visit centralsan.org or call 1-800-646-1431
- For residents of Alamo, Blackhawk, Clayton, Concord, Clyde, Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, and other Central County unincorporated areas.
Residents of East County:
Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
2550 Pittsburg-Antioch Hwy, Pittsburg
- Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
- 9 am - 4 pm
- For more info, visit ddsd.org or call 925-756-1990
- For Residents of Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Pittsburg.
Here is a list of local alternative disposal locations - call beforehand to confirm availability especially during COVID. If you don’t see your Contra Costa place of residence on the lists, try a search on earth911.com.
For more information on hazardous waste and universal waste visit CalRecycle or the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC).
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