Proper Disposal
of Household Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste should NOT
be disposed of in the trash or in the gutter. Hazardous waste disposed
of in the trash poses a serious threat of injury to trash collection and
landfill operators. This kind of waste also creates environmental problems
when disposed of improperly. For these reasons, disposal of hazardous waste
is regulated and improper disposal is illegal. The penalties can be substantial.
Empty containers may be discarded with your trash. Hazardous waste must be
disposed of on a designated drop off day at the designated location only.
Toxic Materials
Household Hazardous Waste
Drop Off Facilities
The IWMA operates five household hazardous waste drop off facilities in
San Luis Obispo County where residents can bring household hazardous
waste materials. The maximum amount you can drop off at one time for
free is 15 gallons or 125 pounds. The facilities are
open to small businesses, but you must first call 1-800-400-0811.
We accept all household hazardous waste but can not accept radioactive,
medical waste
or explosives.
State law specifically prohibits disposing of medical waste such as
prescription medicine, other pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter
remedies (except for sharps) at IWMA Household Hazardous Waste drop off
facilities.
The IWMA operates a Home Generated Sharps Disposal
Program for disposal of sharps, lancets or needles. See
medical waste for safe methods of disposal for medical wastes such as sharps,
lancets or needles. For more information on proper disposal of
medical wastes other than sharps, contact
the California Department of Health Services Waste Management Program
at (916) 327-6904 (fax: 916-323-9869) or the San Luis Obispo County
Department of Environmental
Health at 781-5544.
Drop off your Household
Hazardous Waste items at the following locations:
- Cold Canyon
Landfill
HWY. 227, San Luis Obispo
(805) 782-8530
HHW facility is open
Friday and Saturday 11AM to 3PM
- Chicago
Grade Landfill
HWY 41, Atascadero
(805) 782-8530
HHW facility is open
Saturday 11AM to 3PM
- Morro Bay Waste
Water Plant
160 Atascadero Road, Morro
Bay
(805) 782-8530
HHW facility is open
Saturday 11AM to 3PM
- Nipomo Facility
509 Southland, Nipomo
(805) 782-8530
HHW facility is open
Saturday 11AM to 3PM
- Paso Robles Landfill
Hwy. 46 East, Paso Robles
(805) 782-8530
HHW facility is open
Saturday 11AM to 3PM
Drop
off is limit is 15 gallons or 125 pounds. No charge to SLO County residents.
Hazardous Waste
Management for Small Businesses
If you are a conditionally exempt
small business and generate less than 27 gallons or 220 pounds of hazardous
waste per month, we can provide hazardous waste collection and disposal service
for you. Call 1-805-782-8530 for more information.
