What is HHW?

Many household products are considered hazardous and can harm people, animals, and the environment if not disposed of properly. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program provides a safe way to get rid of unwanted hazardous items.

In an emergency caused by household chemicals, call 911.

HHW Brochures - English and Español 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

Please be advised that lab-grade chemicals and nitrous oxide (N₂O) canisters are not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities.

These materials require specialized handling and disposal beyond the scope of the HHW program. Attempting to bring such substances may result in refusal of service for safety and regulatory reasons.

For proper disposal of these items, please contact a licensed hazardous waste disposal service or the local environmental health department for guidance.

For safety and compliance, HHW staff have the right to refuse any waste. This may include materials that are unlabeled, leaking, unsafe, unknown, commercial, or in excessive quantities.

Please review our accepted materials list or contact us with questions before your visit.

Step 1: Who Can Participate and Where to Go?

• Free for Residents: Residents of unincorporated Santa Cruz County and the cities of Scotts Valley, Capitola, and Santa Cruz. Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or utility bill) is required.  Please call (831) 454-2606 if you have any questions.
• HHW Drop-Off Locations:
  • Buena Vista - 1231 Buena Vista Dr., Watsonville - Open Wed. 7:30 AM-2:30 PM; Fri. and Sat. 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
  • Ben Lomond - 9835 Newell Creek Rd., Ben Lomond - Open Thurs. 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
  • City of Santa Cruz - 605 Dimeo Ln., Santa Cruz - Open Sat. 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
• Not Available: City of Watsonville residents. For more information, call (831) 768-3133.

Step 2: Accepted Wastes and Transport Guidelines

• Transportation Limits:
  • 15 gallons liquid (motor oil: 5-gallon limit) per trip or;
  • 125 pounds solid per trip or;
  • Combination of 15 gallons and 125 pounds solid per trip;
  • Each container must have a capacity of 5 gallons or less.
  • References: 40 CFR 261, CA Health & Safety Code 25218-25218.12, California Code, HSC 25218.5.1 & DTSC Managing Hazardous Waste

These requirements are due to storage capacity limits, state regulations, and for your safety.

• For your safety, place your hazardous waste in a plastic lined box in the back of your vehicle and remove any non-waste items from that area to avoid losing something you want to keep:
  • Regular vehicles—place the waste in the trunk
  • Trucks—place the waste in the bed
  • SUVs and hatchbacks—place the waste at the rear of the vehicle

If you have more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds, you may drop-off 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip, return to your home and pick up another 15 gallons or 125 pounds, then return to the drop-off location to dispose of your remaining waste with your second visit.  If you have more than 30 gallons or 250 pounds of waste to dispose at the HHW, please call (831) 454-2606.

For information on proper disposal of hazardous items not accepted at the HHW Facilities, please contact County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Services at (831) 454-2022.