Businesses: Learn More About the CESQG Program Here
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.
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.
- HHW Drop-Off Locations:
- Buena Vista
- Ben Lomond
- City of Santa Cruz Site
- 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.
These requirements are due to storage capacity limits, state regulations, and for your safety.
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.
Accepted
- Latex & oil-based paints
- Motor oil, oil filters & antifreeze limit of 5 gallons per visit
- Fluorescent tubes & bulbs limit of 25 tubes/bulbs per visit (PCB ballast also accepted, but must be removed from fixture prior to arrival at HHW)
- Cleaning products
- Solvents & flammable liquids
- Emergency road flares
- Non-empty aerosols
- Automotive products
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Pool, hot tub, & spa chemicals
- Photo chemicals
- Thermometers & other mercury-containing devices
- Household Batteries (alkaline, button batteries, nickel-cadmium)
Not Accepted
- NO Latex or oil based paint greater than 15 gallons per visit. Visit PaintCare's take back program for additional locations
- NO Motor oil greater than 5 gallons per visit. Visit CalRecycle's oil take back program for additional locations
- NO Medicines or sharps. Visit Med-Project to safely dispose of medicines and sharps.
- NO Reactive wastes
- NO Radioactive materials
- NO Explosives or ammunition (includes marine flares)
- NO Compressed gas cylinders over 1 lb
For information on proper disposal of hazardous items not accepted at the HHW Facilities, please contact County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Services at 454-2022.