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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

 

 

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM

Annual HHW Collection Report for 2022/2023


BUSINESSES - CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CESQG PROGRAM

Many common household products are legally defined as hazardous. These materials can pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment when improperly used or disposed. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program provides the only proper way to dispose of hazardous products when they are no longer wanted.

In case of an emergency caused by the improper use of household chemicals, call 911.


Step 1: Who May Participate and Where Do I Take My Waste?

HHW Facilities are open FREE OF CHARGE to residents of the unincorporated County of Santa Cruz and the Cities of Scotts Valley, Capitola and Santa Cruz. Please bring proof of residency with you (e.g. driver license, utility bill).  

Households that qualify for the program may use the County HHW Facility at the Buena Vista, Ben Lomond, and City of Santa Cruz Sites.

Not available to City of Watsonville Residents

Call (831) 768-3133 for information.

 

The Santa Cruz County Household Hazardous Waste Program is sponsored by the County of Santa Cruz and the cities of Scotts Valley, Capitola and Santa Cruz.


Step 2: Accepted Wastes and Transportation

TRANSPORTATION LIMITS: The maximum amount you can transport to the HHW is 15 gallons liquid (motor oil 5 gallon limit) or 125 pounds solid of hazardous materials per vehicle trip.  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.

ATTENTION: Place HHW with their original containers into a plastic bin or box lined with a plastic trash can liner - this will keep the HHW from tipping or leaking (containers may not be returned).  Please do not pour or place free liquids or solids into plastic bags for disposal.

Acceptance of materials is determined by HHW staff. Items that are considered not acceptable will be returned to the customer.  

EACH CONTAINER SIZE MUST BE 5 GALLONS OR LESS

ACCEPTED
NOT ACCEPTED
Latex & oil-based paints
NO Latex or oil based paint greater than 15 gallons per visit.  Visit PaintCare's take back program for additional locations
Motor oil, oil filters & antifreeze
limit of 5 gallons per visit

NO Motor oil greater than 5 gallons per visit.  Visit CalRecycle's oil take back program for additional locations

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)
NO Medicines or sharps. 
Visit Med-Project to safely dispose of medicines and sharps.
Cleaning products
NO Reactive wastes
Solvents & flammable liquids
NO Radioactive materials
Emergency road flares NO Explosives or ammunition (includes marine flares)
Non-empty aerosols
NO Compressed gas cylinders over 1 lb
Automotive products
 
Pesticides and herbicides
 
Pool, hot tub, & spa chemicals
 
Photo chemicals
 
Thermometers & other mercury-containing devices
 

Household Batteries (alkaline, button batteries, nickel-cadmium)

 

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2024 Holiday Schedule

Buena Vista Location 

1231 Buena Vista Dr.,
Watsonville, CA

(831) 454-2430 or
(831) 454-5153

County Landfill
Open every Mon.,

Tues., Thurs.,
Fri., & Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Open every Wed.,
7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Buena Vista Household
Hazardous Waste
Open every Wed.,
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Open every Fri., & Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

(831) 454-2606


Ben Lomond Location 

9835 Newell Creek Rd.,
Ben Lomond, CA

(831) 454-2430 or

(831) 454-3951

 

County Transfer Station
Open every Mon.,

Tues., Thurs.,
Fri., & Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Open every Wed.,
7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Ben Lomond Household Hazardous Waste
Open every Thurs.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

(831) 454-2606


Other Household Hazardous Waste 

City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
Open every Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

605 Dimeo Lane
Santa Cruz, CA

(831) 420-6270


Santa Cruz County
Solid Waste & Recycling
Main Office

701 Ocean St., Room 410
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 454-2160

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