Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Information

 

UPDATE: HHW Collection Days coming in June for the Los Banos area. Click here for more information

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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is any leftover household product that contains corrosive, toxic, ignitable (flammable) or reactive ingredients. Any product that contains one or more of these ingredients should NEVER be put into any of the curbside containers, down any drain, or thrown on the ground.

To keep these items from contaminating our water, land and air, they need to be disposed of properly. (In case of emergency, please call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or dial 9-1-1.) Household Hazardous Waste pictures

Examples of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):

  1. Pesticides, fungicides and herbicides
  2. Pool chemicals
  3. Non-empty aerosol cans (empty ones can be placed into curbside recycling containers)
  4. Fertilizers
  5. Oil-based paint

Recyclable HHW

  1. Batteries (automotive and household batteries)
    Latex Paint
    Used motor oil and used filters

  2. Universal Waste (U-Waste), such as:
    Compact-fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)    , fluorescent tubes, mercury-containing thermometers, and other items that contain mercury;

    Electronic Waste (e-waste), such as:
    Cell phones, calculators, computer monitors, computer towers and accessories, handheld electronics and games,microwaves, printers, fax machines, telephones, televisions, and other electronics.

Other HHW

  1. Medically-prescribed hypodermic needles or "Sharps"
  2. Prescription medication (the DEA has Take Back days in April and October for medications. For a list of participating law enforcement agencies, please check:
    http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback)

Where to take HHW

Resident of Merced County may take HHW to the following locations at no cost.
Businesses must register and there are costs associated.

Note:
Agricultural waste, compressed gas cylinders, explosives, medical waste, munitions, or radioactive materials are NOT accepted. (Partially-filled, portable propane tanks will be accepted during the periodic collection events; please see the current schedule at the top of this page.)

  1. Map of the Highway 59 LandfillRegional HHW Facility in Merced
    7040 North State Highway 59, Merced
    209-723-4481

    Currently only accepting items listed as "Recyclable HHW" (see above list). Other forms of HHW will be collected during scheduled events. (See top of page for the schedules)

    Monday-Friday: 7 AM - 3:30 PM
    Saturday: 8 AM - 12 PM
    Closed Sundays and most holidays.

    Note: CFL bulbs (compact-fluorescent lights, like the "twisty" lights) must be delivered intact, not broken.



  2. Regional Map of the Billy Wright LandfillHHW Facility in Los Banos
    17173 South Billy Wright Road, Los Banos
    209-826-1163

    Accepts only: Automotive batteries, household batteries, CFLs and fluorescent tubes, electronics, used motor oil and filters. Other forms of HHW will be collected during scheduled events at the Facility in Merced. (See top of page for the schedules)

    Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
    Saturday: 8 AM - 12 PM
    Closed Sundays and most holidays.
Note: CFL bulbs (compact-fluorescent lights, like the "twisty" lights) must be delivered intact, not broken.

For more information on Household Hazardous Waste, please contact:

Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority
7040 N. State Highway 59, Merced, CA 95348
Phone: 209-723-4481
E-mail: mercedrecycles@mcagov.org

More information

CFL Recycling – places that will accept the energy-efficient CFL bulbs

Electronic “E-Waste” Recycling – places that will accept electronics

Household Hazardous Waste- informational flyer on HHW

Medically-prescribed hypodermic needles or "Sharps" - information and drop off locations

 

Mercury Thermostat Collection sites (at no cost):thermostat
(Information about the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008)

  1. Johnstone Supply # 328
    1755 Grogan Ave., Merced, 95341
    209-386-1000; www.johnstonesupply.com

  2. Highway 59 Landfill
    7040 N. Hwy. 59, Merced 95348
    209-723-4481

COLLECTION BOX:
HVAC contractors and wholesalers - click here to sign-up for a free collection box from the Thermostat Recycling Corporation

Pharmaceutical (prescription) Drug Waste Disposal Guidelines

Rechargeable batteries are accepted at no cost for recycling at the following locations nationwide:

Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ochard Supply Hardware, Radioshack and other locations.

If you are interested in recycling rechargeable batteries at your place of business, the Call2Recycle Program offers a collection box (at no cost) for rechargeable batteries and mobile phones.

Used motor oil and used filters - collection centers within Merced County