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1. 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

2. 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

3. 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