Proper Disposal of
Household Hazardous Waste
and Electronic Waste
Many items used for home maintenance and repair contain toxic chemicals that are unsafe and harmful to our environment when disposed of improperly. E-waste — like unwanted computers, televisions, printers and other electronics —- may contain lead, copper and other heavy metals or toxic substances that are harmful.
It is illegal to put televisions and computer monitors in the landfill.
There are two FREE ways you can legally and safely dispose of HHW in Los Angeles County:
New rules for home-generated sharps HOME-GENERATED SHARPS REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPER DISPOSAL
Effective September 1, 2008, home-generated sharps waste, such as needles, syringes and lancets can no longer be placed into household and public garbage cans or recycling containers. The revised law also requires residents to transport and dispose of home-generated sharps waste in approved and properly labeled containers at approved facilities. READ THE WHOLE STORY
Effective September 1, 2008, home-generated sharps waste, such as needles, syringes and lancets can no longer be placed into household and public garbage cans or recycling containers. The new requirement is due to the passage of Senate Bill 1305, which was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in July of 2006.The new law revises the California Medical Waste Management Act and makes it a violation of state law for home-generated waste to be disposed of in regular solid waste collection containers, including recycling and green waste containers.The law also requires residents to transport and dispose of home-generated sharps waste in approved and properly labeled containers at approved facilities.California residents generate an estimated 400 million used sharps each year, many of which are improperly disposed of as household trash.This presents a great risk to sanitation and sewage treatment workers, janitors, housekeepers and children.Needle waste is increasing each year as more people use injectable medication for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and HIV/AIDS.
City of Long Beach residents may dispose of sharps using one of the following options:
Physicians, Hospitals and other medical care providers that are willing to take back home-generated sharps from their clients
Universal Waste
Batteries, light bulbs, electronic devices and items containing mercury: together, these things are known as Universal Waste. By California law, these items may not be placed in the regular trash. That's because chemicals from Universal Waste can eventually find their way into the environment, contaminating our air, our water, and even the food we eat. EXAMPLES OF UNIVERSAL WASTE
If not in the trash, where?
In Los Angeles County, there are two FREE ways you can legally and safely dispose of Universal Waste, and also your hazardous waste and electronic waste (e-waste):
Goodwill is a state authorized collector of electronic-waste, such as old computer monitors and televisions. There is a number of donation centers in your area, so complying with the law is easy. For more information call 562-435-7741 or go to goodwillsolac.org
Note: It is against the law to transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of
hazardous waste to a collection site. Residents are limited to a total of 6 pieces of electronic waste per visit to a S.A.F.E. Center.
It is recommended that you call the Center first, to make sure that they accept the materials that you want to dispose of.
Gaffey Street Collection Center 1400 N. Gaffey St.,
San Pedro, CA 90731
1-800-988-6942
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hyperion
Treatment Plant 7660 W. Imperial Highway, Gate B,
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
1-800-988-6942
Open Saturdays and Sundays,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Los Angeles: GLENDALE 4600 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039 1-800-988-6942
Open Saturdays and Sundays,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Washington Blvd. Collection Center
Call first.
Might be closed for construction. 2649 E. Washington Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90021
1-800-988-6942 Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
U.C.L.A. S.A.F.E. Center 550 Charles E. Young Dr. West
Los
Angeles, CA 90095
1-800-988-6942
Open Thursday, Friday
and Saturday,
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Randall Street S.A.F.E. Center 11025 Randall St.,
Sun Valley, CA 91352
1-800-988-6942
Open Saturday, Sunday
and Monday,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Local Weekend HHW / E-Waste Round-up Schedule The County of Los Angeles operates Household Hazardous Waste Collection events throughout the year. The events are FREE and open to all residents of L.A. County.
Here are some helpful tips when dealing with toxic spills or leaks:
Keep the area well ventilated.
Extinguish any open flame or heat source.
Keep children and pets away.
Wear gloves and protective clothing.
Stop the product from spreading by covering the spill with absorbent material (kitty litter, sand, disposable diapers, soil).
Sweep and scoop the absorbent into a container with a lid or into a strong plastic bag. Clean area with soap and rags, put used rags into container as well. Be careful not to wash hazardous materials into the street gutter.
Label the container with the product name, chemical name, and hazard category (flammable, corrosive, etc.). All information should be available on the product's label.
Dispose of the container as hazardous waste. See disposal section.
If the spill is large and you cannot safely clean it up, contact the Fire Department immediately by dialing 911.
In Case of Accidental Exposure:
Call the Poison Center at (800) 777-6476 or (213) 222-3212. For a medical emergency call 911.
TIP: It is helpful to have the container with you for poison identification when you make an emergency call.
