About Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste - Residential
Household Hazardous Waste is Dangerous!!

Find out what items are HHW... click here
Free HHW Drop-off...

click for directions and hours of operation
HHW Mobile Collection For Seniors and Disabled

click here for more information...
Video: How to properly dispose of your HHW

so it doesn't end up in the Bay
FREE Used Motor Oil Kits

We will drop them off and pick them up from your curb! FREE!
Introduction to Hazardous Waste
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE is created when common household products that contain toxic chemicals and/or that can cause harmful reactions are no longer wanted or needed. Every year Americans create an astounding 1/6 million tons of house hazardous waste. Products such as household cleaners, used motor oil, cooking oil, pesticide, batteries, fluorescents, electronics, gardening products, paint, and pharmaceuticals all contain chemicals that harm the environment and can even be deadly. If household hazardous waste is not disposed of properly, toxics are released into the soil, the air, and water supplies threatening the health of animals and humans alike. See what kinds of hazardous waste you may have in your home.
If one has unused or unwanted household hazardous waste it is illegal to dispose of it by putting it into the garbage or landfills; abandoning, burying, or pouring onto the ground; by fire or incineration; or pouring down a sink, toilet, or storm drain. By law, these products must be properly recycled or disposed at a hazardous waste facility. Residents of West Contra Costa County can take their hazardous waste to the permanent collection facility located near the Richmond Parkway. A mobile collection program is also available to assist home bound seniors and disabled persons to properly disposed of their household hazardous waste.
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Need help with your hazardous waste?
- Household Hazardous Waste
- What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
- Local Facility to drop off HHW for FREE
- Mobile HHW Collection Program (for seniors and disabled)
- Used Motor Oil program (FREE drop off and pickup!)
- Paint Stewardship Program
- Information for Kensington residents
- Safe Disposal of Unwanted Medications
- Safe Disposal of Needles and Sharps
- Recycling Tips for Motorcycle Owners
- Hazardous Waste FAQS and more....
- Accepted Waste Items
- Commercial Hazardous Waste
- Does your Business Generate Hazardous Waste?
- Schools and Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste - Commercial
Welcome to the Commercial Household Hazardous Waste landing page. Resources here should help you to determine how to properly dispose of certain HHW items, as well as better, less toxic alternatives.
West County businesses generating less than 27 gallons or 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month may participate in the Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Program (CESQG) at the West Contra Costa Permanent HHW Facility located in Richmond. Fees apply. There is an on-line form to complete and additional information is available by calling 1-888-412-9277. For more information visit our Commercial Hazardous Waste FAQs.
One of our most popular resources is out onsite audits which will give you a better idea of how you can reduce your workplace's use of hazardous items. Learn more here.
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HHW FAQs
Check this listing to see what is considered hazardous waste and to learn more about environmentally friendly alternatives.
Answers to some common questions about household hazardous waste. Click Here.
Hazardous Waste - Schools
Household Hazardous Waste - Schools

Household Hazardous Waste - Schools

Household Hazardous Waste - Schools

More information coming soon.
Household Hazardous Waste Accepted Items for Disposal
This is a list of all household hazardous waste accepted items for disposal. Please review when sorting through your hazardous waste.
West Contra Costa County Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection
Information regarding hazardous waste mobile collection in Contra Costa County.
HHW Mobile Collection Flyer (English) 2011
Door to door HHW collection service for seniors and disabled persons.
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Does Your Business Generate Hazardous Waste?
Does Your Business Generate Hazardous Waste?
West County businesses generating less than 27 gallons or 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month may participate in the Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Program (CESQG) at the West Contra Costa Permanent HHW Facility located in Richmond. Fees apply. There is an on-line form to complete and additional information is available by calling at 1-888-412-9277. For more information visit our Commercial Hazardous Waste FAQs.
Requirements for Program Use
The Customer agrees to abide by the following requirements:
1. State and federal hazardous waste laws limit the use of household hazardous waste collection programs to households and those businesses that generate less than 100 kilograms (about 27 gallons or 220 lbs) of hazardous waste a month and less than 1 kg of “extremely hazardous waste” a month.
2. Wastes must only be delivered during the following hours of operation:
• Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
• 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed Noon to 12:30 p.m. for lunch)
3. An authorized representative of the organization or business such as the owner, manager or supervisor, who has legal authorization to obligate, must sign below.
4. Customers must adhere to the following requirements in preparing wastes for transport:
• No leaking containers are allowed
• Keep different products separate from each other
• Avoid spills: secure lids
• Tape lids down if possible to fall off
• Unknowns are not accepted
• Unlabeled containers with known contents should be labeled with the product name or classification
• No containers greater than 5 gallons
• If container is very rusty or cracked, transfer to another container and label it or place it in another secure container
• Place wastes in boxes and surround with newspaper or other material so that containers do not move during transport
• Place wastes in the trunk or back of the vehicle away from occupants
• Load your vehicle just prior to delivery
• Drive directly to the facility
• Do not allow children or pets in the vehicle
5. The following wastes are not accepted:
• Radioactive Materials
• Explosives, including firearms
• Controlled substances
• Gas Cylinders - Pressurized, thick-walled over 5 gallons
6. State law limits transportation amount to 27 gallons (220 pounds) or less and we are required to reject any amount over that limit.
7. We can only accept the wastes that have been pre-approved.
8. Prior to arrival at the facility, you will need to bring the following items:
• Signed Materials Acceptance Request Form
• Signed Requirements for Program Use
• Proof that your business or organization is located in the eligible service area
• Check made out to “WCRR”
ReFuel Your Fun
Disposables – The Problem
- Disposables are dangerous. When “empty,” disposable cylinders often still contain a small amount of gas, posing a danger to sanitation workers due to the risk of explosions and resulting fires. Because of the danger involved, they cost millions of dollars to recycle and dispose of properly.
- Disposables are expensive when you realize that 80% of the price you pay is for the packaging! In short, you’re paying more for the packaging than for the actual gas!
- Every year in North America, 40 million disposable 1 lb. propane cylinders are used, with over four million in California alone.* Because of limited, expensive recycling options, the empty cylinders are often disposed of improperly in landfills, dumpsters, household trash, campsites, on the roadside or in recycling containers.
*Estimate provided by Kamps Propane based on annual cylinder production data and population data.
Refillables – The Solution
- Refillables save money. A simple refill costs approximately $2.25 because you only pay for the gas and filling service, not the container!
- Refillables can last up to 12 years and can be refilled hundreds of times.
- Refillables reduce the impact on landfills and the environment.
ReFuel Your Fun was developed by local government agencies and other partners through a grant from CalRecycle. ReFuel Your Fun is administered by the California Product Stewardship Council.
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