You may not realize it, but many day-to-day household items, such as cooking oil, household cleaners, and partially-filled *aerosol spray cans, are considered hazardous waste. The Sacramento County Department of Waste Management and Recycling has a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facility at the North Area Recovery Station, and at the Kiefer Landfill there is a collection facility for Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil, and Paint (ABOP). These facilities are open several days per week to help you get rid of your hazardous materials properly.
“Instead of pouring household materials down the drain or tossing it in the garbage, special care must be taken to make sure potentially harmful ingredients don’t make their way into our environment,” said Paul Philleo, Director of the Department of Waste Management and Recycling.
Common hazardous waste items include:
• Partially-filled aerosol cans (*aerosol cans that are empty are accepted in residential recycling carts)
• Car and household batteries
• Cooking oil
• Paint and paint thinner
• Pool chemicals
• Used motor oil and filters
Other items that are common include:
• Non-Controlled Medications (unused/expired)
• Hypodermic needles, sharps and lancets
• Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
When transporting hazardous items for drop off, ensure the containers are tightly sealed, contained, and kept upright to prevent spillage and contamination.
For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items and where the drop-off centers are, Sacramento County residents can visit the
Waste Management and Recycling website or call 916-875-5555.
Writer: Alicia Solheim, Communication and Media Intern
