Household Hazardous Waste
Everyday used items, such as batteries and electronics, are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). 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 911)
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.
Examples of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):
Non-empty aerosol cans (empty ones can be recycled)
Batteries
Electronic Waste (E-Waste):Cell phones, calculators, computer monitors, computer towers and accessories, handheld electronics and games, printers, fax machines, telephones, televisions, and other electronics.
Fertilizers
Medically-prescribed hypodermic needles or “Sharps”
Used motor oil and filters
Paint
Pesticides, fungicides and herbicides
Plastic microwaves (metal ones may be accepted at metal recycling centers)
Pool chemicals
Universal Waste (U-Waste):Compact-fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), fluorescent tubes, mercury-containing thermometers and other items that contain mercury.
Where to take HHW for free (must be a resident of Merced County):
The HHW drop off facility is provided free of charge for single family households in Merced County.
Please note:
Agricultural waste, compressed gas cylinders, explosives, medical waste, munitions, or radioactive materials are NOT accepted.If you’re bringing items such as batteries or CFLs, please place them in a plastic bag or air-tight container.
If bringing “Sharps,” please have them in an opaque, puncture-resistant container with the lid taped to the container and labeled “SHARPS.”
Merced County
Highway 59 HHW Facility
Accepts all HHW and 5 gal. propane tanks (BBQ size or smaller)
6040 N. State Highway 59
Merced, CA
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM (Closed Sunday and most holidays)
209-723-4753 or 209-381-1100
The legal amount of HHW that you may transport to the Highway 59 facility at any given time is 15 gallons of a liquid or 125 pounds of a solid. The exception being a 55-gallon barrel of used oil (requires appointment for disposal).
Merced County Billy Wright Landfill Facility
Accepts ONLY: Auto batteries, household batteries, CFLs, fluorescent tubes, electronics, used motor oil and filters.
17173 S. Billy Wright Road
Los Banos, CA
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 12 PM
(Closed Sunday and most holidays)
The legal amount of HHW that you may transport to the Billy Wright Facility is 10 gallons of a liquid or up to 100 pounds of a solid, and up to 20 gallons of used oil. The containers must be in good condition and not leaking.
More information
CFL Recycling – places that will accept the energy-efficient CFLs
Electronic “E-Waste” Recycling – places that will accept electronics
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Information
Pharmaceutical Drug Waste Disposal Guidelines
Safe Disposal of Syringes and Sharps (Home-Generated)Free drop-off locations for "Sharps":
- Merced County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
(209) 723-4753 or (209) 381-1100
6040 N. State Hwy. 59, Merced 95348
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 12 PM (Closed Sunday and holidays)
Note: Place Sharps in an opaque container, tape the lid to the container, and label the container as "Sharps."- Office of the Division of Environmental Health
(209) 381-1100
260 E. 15th Street, Merced 95341
Collection kiosk located inside the Public Health building.
Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Note: Place Sharps in an opaque container, tape the lid to the container, and label the container as "Sharps."- Memorial Hospital Los Banos
(209) 826-0591 ext. 6377 - Bernard Bourque
520 W. I Street, Los Banos 93635
Collection kiosk located behind the Clinical Lab.
Monday - Sunday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Note: Sharps must be in an approved container onlyBusiness or Small-Quantity Disposal Program Application
Learn more about the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008
Free Mercury Thermostat Collection sites:
- Johnstone Supply # 328
870 Piper Ave. Merced, CA 95341
209-386-1000 www.johnstonesupply.com- Merced County HHW Facility
6049 N. State Highway 59 Merced, CA 95348
209-381-1100 or 209-723-4753For more information on Household Hazardous Waste, please contact:
Merced County Division of Environmental Health
260 E. 15th Street, Merced, CA 95340
209-723-4753 or 209-381-1100
