Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
Safely, Conveniently -- and FREE!

Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are unwanted household products containing hazardous ingredients and labeled with words such as “danger,” “warning,” “caution,” “poison,” “flammable,” or “corrosive.”  These products are not allowed in the garbage or recycling containers or carts. It is also illegal to pour any hazardous waste on the ground or in storm drains. HHW is accepted at the City of Watsonville Waste and Recycling Drop-off located at 320 Harvest Drive. You must live within the City of Watsonville to use this program. Address verification is required. The Waste and Recycling Drop-off is open 7 days per week from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. For more information contact Customer Service at 768-3133.

HERE’S HOW TO DISPOSE OF HHW

1. CERTAIN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE TYPES REQUIRE SPECIAL HANDLING AND ARE ACCEPTED ONLY ONE DAY PER MONTH.

Bring these items to the Waste and Recycling Drop-off  on the second Saturday of each month:

• Paint thinner and other solvents
• Drain cleaners
• Fertilizers and home-use pesticides
• Cleaning products
• Outdated or unwanted medicines including prescription drugs
• Hypodermic needles and syringes (accepted only in plastic container, not loose)
• Glue, polishes, hobby supplies
• Pool and spa chemicals
• Thermometers, thermostats and other mercury-containing items
• Other chemical products from  home, garage and garden

2. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE TYPES THAT CAN BE HANDLED BY REGULAR STAFF ARE ACCEPTED EVERY DAY.

Bring these items any day, seven days a week.

• Paint – Bring paint in original cans if possible. Don’t mix un-usable paint with paint that is in good condition. Some paint may be useable for City maintenance projects.
• Batteries – including automotive, alkaline, rechargeables, button batteries, cell phone batteries, battery packs from power tools, electric toothbrushes, vacuums and computers
• Florescent light tubes and compact florescent bulbs
• Motor oil – use any plastic container with screw top
• Oil filters – place in plastic bag
• Transmission fluid – use any plastic container with screw top
• Brake fluid – use any plastic container with screw top
• Antifreeze – use any plastic container with screw top
• Electronic waste including computers, monitors, phones, televisions

Not Accepted in Watsonville Household Hazardous Waste Program

• Asbestos
• Ammunition
• Explosives
• Radioactive waste
• Capacitors and transformers containing PCBs
• Compressed gas cylinders larger than 5 gallons (unless empty)

These items require specialized handling by hazardous waste companies or other government agencies.

Transporting Household Hazardous Waste
All products must be packaged in sturdy, non-leaking, closed containers not larger than 5 gallons. Keep products in original containers. If a product does not have its original label, label it yourself if you're sure of the contents. Don't mix products together. Make sure products are properly sealed to prevent leaks and spills. If a container is leaking, secure it in a secondary leak-proof container. Place containers in sturdy boxes (do not double stack containers) in the trunk of your vehicle and away from driver and passengers. State law limits the amount in a vehicle to 15 gallons or 125 lbs per trip.

Hazardous Waste from Business
The Waste and Recycling Drop-off only accepts the TYPE and QUANTITY of household hazardous waste generated in homes.  Other disposal options are available for hazardous waste generated by businesses.

Services for Residents Living Outside the City of Watsonville
Santa Cruz County unincorporated area residents :  Use the County of Santa Cruz Buena Vista Landfill. For more information, call 454-2606 or http://www.santacruzcountyrecycles.org/

Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority in Salinas serves Monterey County residents including Pajaro and Royal Oaks at the Sun Street HHW Facility at 139 Sun St, Salinas 93926. Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Call 424-5520 for more information.  http://www.svswa.org/

Monterey Regional Waste Management District in Marina serves residents and small businesses in Moss Landing, Castroville, Marina, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks, Sand City, Monterey, Monterey-Salinas Highway area, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Unincorporated Carmel, Carmel Valley, Carmel Highlands, and Big Sur. Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 A.M.. to 5:00 P.M. and Saturday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.. Call 831-384-5313 for more information.  Please be prepared to show identification. www.mrwmd.org/household-hazardous-waste.htm 

Ways to Reduce Household Hazardous Waste
Many people are switching to “greener” products that container less or no toxic ingredients. These products are often safer for people, pets and the environment.