We take almost everything
California laws or commercial recycling fees prevent us from collecting certain items.
We cannot remove or transport:
- Ammunition
- Antifreeze
- Asbestos
- Batteries (dry cell)*
- Batteries (automotive)
- Cleaning solvents
- Compressed gas cylinders*
- Corrosive acids/bases
- Explosives
- Fire Extinguishers*
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Gasoline
- Laboratory Waste
- Medical Waste
- Medications
- Oils (motor and household)*
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Radioactive materials
- Smoke alarms
- Used needles
* some exceptions possible, with advance notice
How to dispose of hazardous waste
Individual California residents can drop off most hazardous material, free of charge, at the Household and Hazardous Waste (HHW) Transfer Facility and at local collection events. Other hazardous material may require a pickup.
Please note that website for the City of San Diego does not list all possible methods of safely disposing hazardous waste. For example, lead-acid automotive batteries may be dropped off at any auto parts store. And used needles may be dropped off at law enforcement stations.
A simple google search, in addition to the methods listed in the city’s website will cover most cases. Here are some links to help you find a way to safely dispose hazardous materials:
Published: 3 June 2021
