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Residential HHW Drop-off Service

The Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste program offers a free Residential Drop-off Service. Here are the steps for safely dropping off your leftover toxic products:

  1. Identify hazardous waste

  2. Find the nearest drop-off facility 

  3. Packing instructions and program requirements

  4. Drop-off at the facility

 

1.  Identify Hazardous Waste

Check your house, garage and garden shed for household products that may be hazardous to your children, pets or the environment. Words such as "danger," "warning," "caution," "poisonous" and "flammable" on the labels can mean a product is toxic. Label the toxic products you find as a reminder to use them up and dispose of them safely. Get more information about common hazardous materials.

2.  Find the Nearest Drop-Off Location

There are four Household Hazardous Waste drop-off facilities in Alameda County. These facilities accept a wide variety of wastes and offer the most comprehensive service in the county. Alameda County residents can drop-off wastes they generated while living in and maintaining their residence for free. Click on the links below for more information and operating hours.

3.  Packing Instructions and Program Requirements

Requirements for Residential Drop-off:

  • Transport waste in sturdy containers that close, do not leak, and are compatible with the waste. 
  • Place any item that could spill or leak in a larger, closed, non-leaking container such as a plastic bucket with a lid.
  • The amount of waste you may transport in one vehicle is limited to 125 pounds or 15 gallons.
  • No individual container may be greater than 5 gallons or 50 pounds in size.
  • Wastes must be transported by a resident of the household which generated the waste.
  • Do not allow different wastes to mix.

Safe Packing and Transport Suggestions:

  • At your request, the HHW attendants will save your motor oil and gasoline cans once they're emptied. Label them with your name and phone number; they must be picked up after the site closes on the same day, or on a later day.
  • Include a label or note on ingredients about any material that lacks identification.
  • Use a box or cushioning material to keep containers from moving in transit.
  • Keep waste visible to make it easy for HHW staff to unload.
  • Avoid placing loose containers in a large garbage bag—this is a frequent cause of breakage and spills.

4. Drop-Off Requirements:

  • Stay in your vehicle. It is state law. Please place items in an unlocked trunk or back cargo space.
  • Have your driver's license ready. We will scan your license to verify Alameda County residency. If your driver's license doesn't have an Alameda County address, please show proof of residency by bringing a recent utility bill or a copy of a rental or ownership agreement.
  • This service is not for businesses; find information about business hazardous waste disposal.

At your request, the HHW attendants will save your motor oil and gasoline cans once they're emptied. Label them with your name and phone number; they must be picked up on the same day after 3:00 p.m.

Thanks for doing your part to keep our land and water free of hazardous waste!

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