A typical home can contain a vast array of household hazardous products used for cleaning, painting, beautifying, lubricating and disinfecting the house, yard, workshop and garage.

The health and safety of our families, neighborhoods and environment is threatened when household hazardous waste is stored or disposed of improperly.

The chemical-based household products from a single home may seem insignificant; but, when millions of homes across Los Angeles County use similar products — handling, storing and disposing of them improperly — the combined effect becomes a major problem. The health and safety of people and animals, as well as the health of our communities and the environment is endangered when these types of products are discarded in household garbage, sinks or storm drains.

If you have electronics, latex paint or other items that may be reusable, you might consider posting them on LACoMAX. It is easy and beneficial. Click here to find out how.

The following are examples of household hazardous products that may be found in and around your home:

E-mail Notification System (eNotify): Sign up with the eNotify system to receive e-mails regarding our HHW/E-Waste collection events based on the location(s) and the criteria you select. From the calendar, you can also view driving directions, location map or receive a reminder e-mail just days before the event takes place. Please provide us your feedback on this program so that we can enhance our service to you.

Safely Manage Your Home-Generated Sharps Waste – After September 1, 2008, State law makes it illegal for residents to dispose of home–generated sharps waste in the trash. To learn more and find out how to properly dispose of sharps waste, click HERE.

Keep Universal Waste (u-waste) Out of Your Trash! Items such as household batteries, flourescent light bulbs, electronic devices, and mercury thermostats should not be placed in your trash. Bring them to a collection event or a permanent center. It is illegal to dispose of common household batteries in the trash. To learn more and find out how to properly dispose of household batteries, click HERE. For more information on u-waste regulations, please visit the DTSC website.

No Drugs Down the Drain – If you have a medicine cabinet full of expired or unused medications, don't discard them down the sink or toilet, because their chemical components may be added to the water supply or soil. To find out how to properly dispose of unused pharmaceutical drugs, click HERE.

Don’t Create More Electronic Waste! You Do Not Need To Get Rid of Your Analog TV – After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only. Residents with an analog TV system that uses a rooftop antenna do not need to purchase a new TV; rather they need a converter box to change the digital signal to analog. To find out more, click HERE.

Recycle Used Motor Oil and Oil Filters – For proper disposal and available outlets, click HERE.

Donate that phone! Keep California Beautiful - The Department of Public Works and Keep California Beautiful have made cell phone recycling very easy for you. Find out NOW!

To report illegal dumping, or for more information about Household Hazardous Waste and alternative products, call 1(888)CLEAN LA.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?   |   E-Waste U-Waste   |   Dangers of Improper Disposal Safe Use, Storage and Disposal   |   HHW Collection Events How to Reduce HHW Use   |   Specific City Operated Programs Phone Numbers & Links   |   Alternative Products