Household Hazardous Waste Program

Household hazardous waste cannot be disposed of in the trash!

Recology of the Coast Household Hazardous Waste There are many items that are considered household hazardous waste. Look for precautionary statements on product labels such as poison, danger, warning and caution to assist you in determining if an item is household hazardous waste.

Recology of the Coast's Recycling Yard, accepts household hazardous waste by appointment Monday - Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please contact San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste to schedule an appointment.

For all other items, contact the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at (650) 363-4718 or visit the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program.

The County of San Mateo accepts the following household hazardous wastes:

  • Art and hobby supplies
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Furniture and metal polishes
  • Household cleaners
  • Oil and latex based paint
  • Paint thinner
  • Pesticides
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Pool chemicals

Proper Storage

Recology of the Coast Household Hazardous Waste
  • Never leave hazardous products within reach of food, pets, and children.
  • Never mix chemicals. They can produce deadly gases and possibly explode.
  • Do not dispose of hazardous waste in the trash, sewer, storm drains, bodies of water, or on the ground.
  • Do not refill empty containers unless the label states this is OK.
  • Never remove product labels and always leave products in their original containers.
  • Purchase only what you will need and share extras with a neighbor.

Don't Get Stuck With Your Sharps!

Sharps Exchange ContainerState law prohibits the disposal of "sharps waste" in trash or recycling containers. All sharps waste must be transported to a collection center in an approved sharps container. Home-generated sharps waste includes hypodermic needles, syringes and lancets that are used for medical purposes. Sharps waste poses a threat to anyone it comes into contact with when disposed of improperly.

Collection Programs:
Place home-generated sharps waste in biohazard containers. Biohazard containers are available for purchase at local pharmacies and some office supply stores. Contact your health care provider, local pharmacies, hospitals or clinics to ask if they offer a collection program.

Mail-Back Service:
Visit California Integrated Waste Board for a list of companies that are authorized to provide sharps waste mail-back services in California.