Common household products such as paint, used motor oil, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, pesticides, household chemicals and cleaners, gasoline and acetone, propane tanks and fire extinguishers, aerosol cans, electronics, gardening products all contain chemicals that harm the environment and can even be deadly, and are considered household hazardous waste (HHW). For more information on household hazardous waste, visit CalRecycle or the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC).

Accepted Waste Streams

There are three waste streams that are accepted at our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities in San Luis Obispo County. Below are examples of items in each of these three streams: 

Hazardous 

• Aerosols 
• Corrosive Liquids 
• Fire Extinguishers 
• Mercury 
• Paint (containing PCB) 
• Pesticides 
• Propane Tanks 

Universal 

• Batteries 
• Fluorescent Bulbs 
• Gasoline (you must leave your container, it will not be returned) 
• Halogen Bulbs 
• Used Motor Oil (can be brought in in any container that has a locking or closing lid, e.g. milk jug. You must leave your container, it will not be returned)
• Paint (including oil-based and latex) 
• Thermostats 

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

• IT Assets: Monitors, Servers, Computers, Laptops, Routers, Hard Drives, Cables and Chargers
• Office Equipment: Telecom Systems, Copiers, Printers, Fax Machines
• Scientific and Medical Devices: Satellite and Imaging Equipment
• Consumer Electronics Equipment: TVs, LCDs, DVDs, VCRs and Stereo Equipment
• Cell Phones, Smart Phones and PDAs
• Small Appliances: Microwaves, Smoke Detectors, Toasters, Vaccuum Cleaners
  • We do not accept stoves, refrigerators, or freezers – please contact your local appliance retailer or landfill for assistance. 

Residents click here to view hours and locations

Businesses click here to learn about the drop-off process and schedule an appointment