Our website will be unavailable on Sun., March 21, 2010 from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. for system maintenance.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
       Visiting? Relocating? Check out the Torrance Advantage

 TORRANCE california

Public Works
------------
 | Household Hazardous Waste
-

font size: A | A | A
Hazardous Waste Logo

Household Hazardous Waste

Did you know that all paints, batteries, cleaners with acid or lye, pesticides, contaminated used oil, paint thinners, nail polish remover, and even fluorescent bulbs, cell phones, microwave ovens, TVs, computer monitors, and syringes are considered hazardous waste?

Hazardous waste is any discarded material that threatens public health, safety, and the environment due to its chemical nature. Throwing these materials in the trash, down storm drains, on the ground, or in the sewer system puts oceans and groundwater at risk.

Some household hazardous wastes can be identified by having one of these words on the label:

  • Explosive or Reactive (can detonate or explode through exposure to heat, sudden shock, or pressure)
  • Corrosive (can destroy and cause burns to the skin and other living tissues)
  • Flamable (easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly)
  • Toxic or poison (capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation, absorbtion or injection)

Electronics are hazardous as they can contain lead and other metals that are dangerous, plus they have many components that can be recycled.  Some items, like microwave ovens and thermometers, contain mercury.  Medical sharps (needles) used in home health care are also banned from regular trash.  Click here for information on medical sharps.

You must dispose of hazardous waste in one of the following ways:

Dispose of household hazardous waste and electronics safely by bringing them to a free, household hazardous waste and electronics roundup or permanent drop-off facility.

FREE PERMANENT DROP-OFF FACILITY

S.A.F.E. COLLECTION CENTER

1400 NORTH GAFFEY ST

SAN PEDRO, CA  90021

OPEN FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. EXCEPT HOLIDAYS AND RAINY DAYS.  THERE IS A LIMIT OF SIX (6) ELECTRONIC ITEMS PER VISITCLICK HERE FOR .PDF FLYER AND MAP

Free, one-day, periodic roundups are provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Nearly every weekend, there is a roundup somewhere in L.A. County that provides a safe and convenient way to dispose of household hazardous waste.  

Upcoming events in the City of Torrance area are:           

  • March 20, 2010, CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH, Northrop-Grumman Space Technology, Aviation Blvd. and Marine Ave. (enter from Aviation Blvd.)
  • March 27, 2010, CITY OF LONG BEACH, Veteran's Stadium, Clark Ave. and Conant Street (enter from Conant St.)
  • May 8, 2010, PALOS VERDES PENINSULA-RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Rancho PV City Hall/City Yard, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
  • June 19, 2010, CITY OF TORRANCE, American Honda, 1919 Torrance Blvd. (enter from Harpers Way off Van Ness Ave.)
  • ROUNDUPS ARE ON SATURDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

    For more information and a schedule of roundups with location maps, please call 1-888-CLEANLA or click here for the Sanitation District's website

    To drop off hazardous materials, just load your materials in a sturdy box in the trunk of your car and drive through the drop-off area.  The materials will be taken from your car quickly and safely - it's that easy!

    REMEMBER:
    Limit of 15 gallons or 125 lbs. per vehicle
    Do not mix materials, keep in original containers with original labels
    Put in sturdy box in trunk of car
    No explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials will be accepted

    It is illegal to throw medical sharps in the trash or recycling.  Click here for more information.

    For more information and listings of hazardous waste items, use the following links:

    Your Source for Torrance Recycling, Recycle Torrance, click here.

    The Los Angeles County Clean LA website

    The Integrated Waste Management Board

    The Department of Toxic Substance

    For a list of used motor oil collection centers in Torrance, click here.

    Walser's in Torrance accepts electronic waste.  Click here for flyer (pdf).

    Home Depot accepts CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs.  Click here for flyer (pdf).

     

    For recycling or safe disposal of hazardous waste from businesses: 

    Hazardous Waste Generated from Businesses

    Businesses can also check out environmental suggestions on how to "Get Green" by clicking here.