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: permanent HHW/e-waste collection centers local weekend HHW/E-waste round-ups.

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):

• Permanent HHW / e-waste / Universal Waste collection centers
• Local weekend HHW / e-waste / Universal Waste collection events

Other resources for hazardous waste, e-waste and universal waste disposal:

• Cell phone recycling centers
• Battery recycling centers
• Used Oil recycling centers
  

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

• Local Goodwill sites

Disposal of non-hazardous materials

• General recycling centers

Additional Universal Waste help and information:

• Zero Waste California
  (California Integrated Waste Management Board)
• Earth 911

Permanent HHW / E-Waste Collection Centers

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
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
Open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Washington Blvd. Collection Center
2649 E. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90021
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
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
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.

For a schedule of upcoming events, click HERE.

In Case of a Toxic Spill or Leak

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.