Hazardous & E-Waste Recycling

We are glad you are interested in learning how to properly dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic waste for free at your local household hazardous waste facility and other approved locations.

Businesses: Please note that you may not use the residential hazardous waste program. Refer to the Small Business Hazardous Waste Recycling page for more information on how you can properly recycle your business' hazardous waste.

E-Waste Recycling

E-waste is a popular name for electronic products at the end of their "useful life." Electronics compose the largest growing segment of our nation's waste stream. Some of these products can be reused, refurbished or recycled. If you do have e-waste, make sure to recycle it properly as these contain hazardous toxic chemicals. Computers, for example, contain lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium and polyvinyl chlorides - all of which have known detrimental effects on human health.

Where do I recycle e-waste?

Check with manufacturers to see if they offer take-back programs.

You can also check out Recycle Stuff, a free referral service that provides information about where you can recycle virtually anything and everything, or contact Recycle Stuff at 800-533-8414 to find a recycler.

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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling

What constitutes as HHW?

Many household chemicals used to paint, clean, and maintain our homes, gardens and yards can be toxic if they're used or disposed of improperly. Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are typically categorized as flammable, corrosive, toxic or reactive. These include but are not limited to:

Flammable:
- Latex and oil-based paints and stains
- Petroleum-based products
- Polishes
- Gasoline
Corrosives:
- Acids
- Bases
- Batteries (car and household)
- Drain clog remover
Toxics:
- Poisons
- Pesticides
- Gardening chemicals (e.g., fertilizers)
- Ammonia
- Solvents
Reactive:
- Pool chemicals
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Iodine
- Perchlorates
Miscellaneous:
- Propane and helium tanks
- Small oxygen tanks
- Smoke detectors
- Fluorescent lights
- Hypodermic needles
- Used motor oil
- Computers
- TVs
- Cell phones

Why recycle HHW?

Leftover HHW should never be thrown in the trash or recycling bin, flushed down the toilet, or dumped down the drain or storm sewer. A few reasons why HHW should always be properly recycled include, but are not limited to:

Chemicals contaminate our water supply
Poured down storm drains, the chemicals end up in our creeks and the San Francisco Bay
Chemicals can mix in the garbage truck and cause fires or toxic fumes
Dumping hazardous wastes is illegal, and can result in fines up to $25,000

How do I recycle HHW?

Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Program provides Saturday drop-off centers for medicines, cleaning chemicals, and batteries, etc. There is no charge for Milpitas residents to use this service. To participate, make an appointment online or over the phone:

Online Appointment: residents may schedule an appointment online any time by clicking on the "Make An Appointment" button found on the County of Santa Clara HHW page
Phone Appointment: make an appointment by calling 408-299-7300

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Used Motor Oil Recycling

Did you know? 4 quarts of oil can pollute 1 million gallons of groundwater. Take advantage of Certified Collection Centers (CCC) to recycle used oil and oil filters:

Over 80 retail locations participate in the CCC Program in Santa Clara County. They accept used oil for free, and many centers also accept oil filters for free
Do not drop off your used oil or oil filters outside the store or when it is closed
For the nearest location, call 800-253-2687 (800-CLEANUP)

Hazardous & E-Waste Recycling

E-Waste Recycling

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling

Used Motor Oil Recycling

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