Household Hazardous Waste

Keep Hazardous Waste Out of San Diego Bay! 

When hazardous waste items are improperly disposed down the sewer, storm drains, or the regular trash, we run the risk of untreated chemicals seeping into our soil, groundwater, and the natural environment such as our beautiful San Diego Bay. The effects of introducing common household chemicals to the environment can be catastrophic to human health and the bay ecosystem.

Automotive Waste

Automotive waste can include fluids, engine oil or solvents used during normal vehicle repair and maintenance. Improperly disposing of automotive waste down the sewer, storm drains, or in the regular trash results in contamination of our wastewater treatment systems, ground water, and natural waterways, posing a threat to human and environmental health. 

Examples: used motor oil, oil filters, unused antifreeze, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, fuel 

Batteries

Depending on their intended use, batteries can come in a variety of types and sizes. Improperly disposing of batteries in the regular waste bin can increase risk of injury to sanitation workers from reactivity, cause fires, impact air quality, and pose a threat to environmental health. 

Examples: automobile batteries, household batteries, rechargeable batteries

Electronics

Electronics such as household or office devices no longer in use in working or non-working condition are known to contain heavy metals such as mercury or lead. These contaminants can seep into ground water or reach waterways during storm events if improperly disposed of in the regular trash, harming human and environmental health. 

Examples: computers, monitors, televisions, phones, printers 

Household Chemicals

Household chemicals can come in a variety of products. These are non-consumable products commonly designed to help with home or office maintenance and improvement. If these products are handled or disposed of incorrectly, they can pose a threat to the health of humans, animals, and the environment. 

Examples: cleaners, Latex paints, oil paints, wood stains, solvent, pool chemicals, glues, adhesives

Yard Chemicals

Yard chemicals are the additives and products used in lawn and garden care to improve plant/lawn health or prevent or eliminate weeds, insects, and other harmful plant diseases. If disposed of improperly, yard chemicals can pose health risks to humans, wildlife, and the environment. 

Examples: pesticides, fertilizers, weed and vegetation killers

Pharmaceutical Waste

Pharmaceutical waste can refer to products used for personal health and treating ailments, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or syringes. While these products may be beneficial to the people using them, they can lead to long lasting environmental impacts if improperly disposed. Pharmaceuticals that make their way into the natural environment cause greenhouse gas emissions. They also can alter the growth and development of plants, animals and marine life, and are a factor in creating  antibiotic resistant bacteria that could be harder to treat. 

Examples: medicine, sharps – including needles, lancets, syringes 

And more!

• Mercury items such as thermometers and thermostats
• Aerosol cans
• Propane
• Fluorescent lights - including tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
• Large appliances – including refrigerators, ovens/stoves, air conditioners, microwaves