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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Information

 

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 chemicles
  3. Non-empty aerosol cans (empty ones can be placed into curbside recycling containers)
  4. Fertilizers

Recyclable HHW

  1. Batteries (automotive and household batteries)
    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"

 

Where to take HHW for free

Resident of Merced County may take HHW to the following locations at no cost.

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 bi-monthly collection events; please see the appropriate 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 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.

 

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 Flyer - informational flyer on HHW
Medically-prescribed hypodermic needles or "Sharps" - information and drop off locations
Pharmaceutical (prescription) Drug Waste Disposal Guidelines
Used motor oil and used filters - collection centers within Merced County

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

Free Mercury Thermostat Collection sites:
(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: Click here to sign-up for a Collection box from Thermostat Recycling Corporation