Business Waste

VERY SMALL QUANTITY GENERATOR PROGRAM

Some businesses with small amounts of hazardous waste may qualify as Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG). Businesses exceeding VSQG limits cannot use HHW facilities. The program offers a low-cost disposal option for these businesses, non-profits, and other entities, instead of using a commercial waste management service.  This service is for the wastes originating and/or generated only within the County of Santa Cruz.  Wastes originating and/or generated outside the County of Santa Cruz must be taken to their respective HHW facility within their jurisdiction. 

In an emergency caused by household chemicals, call 911.

Step 1: Determine if You Qualify

• Check if your business generates less than 100 kg (27 gallons or 220 lbs.) of hazardous waste and less than 1 kg of extremely hazardous waste per month.
• Even if you have leftover waste (e.g., paint) from cleaning up, your business may still qualify as a VSQG.

Step 2: Obtain a California EPA ID Number

• If your business qualifies, you’ll need a State EPA Identification Number to comply with hazardous waste storage, transportation, and reporting rules.
• Use the links down below to guide you through obtaining the EPA ID or call California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) at 1-800-618-6942.
  • References: Find Out What ID Number Do I Need? & Apply for a Hazardous Waste ID Number

Step 3: Determine Where to Take Your Waste

• Qualifying businesses can dispose of hazardous waste for a small fee at the Buena Vista HHW Facility 1231 Buena Vista Dr., Watsonville
• Appointments are available Wednesdays and Fridays only.
• The following facilities do not accept VSQG waste:
  • Santa Cruz site on Dimeo Lane
  • Ben Lomond Transfer Station
• Businesses in the City of Watsonville are not eligible.  For more information, call (831) 768-3133.

Step 4: Transport Guidelines and Disposal Costs 

• 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 & 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 of waste, you may drop off up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip. Afterward, return to your site to collect additional waste, then bring the remaining 15 gallons or 125 pounds for disposal on your second visit. For disposal of more than 30 gallons or 250 pounds, please contact us at (831) 454-2606.

• Click here for disposal costs