Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Products purchased by the general public that may pose a hazard to human health or the environment are known as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). Common items may be hazardous because they exhibit one or more of the following properties:
- Toxic: poisonous when ingested, inhaled or touched (such as rat poison or bleach).
- Flammable: Easy to ignite (such as lighter fluid and paint removers).
- Corrosive: eats away materials and living tissue by chemical action (such as oven cleaner).
- Reactive: creates an explosion or generates deadly vapors (such as bleach mixed with ammonia)
Download a PDF of the Household Hazardous Waste guide
Do you have some HHW?
HHW is accepted for free at the HHW Drop-Off Days at the Yolo County Central Landfill.
The following are some examples of HHW:
Aerosol Cans
Full or partially full aerosol cans must be disposed of during a HHW Drop-Off Day; however, EMPTY steel aerosol cans should be recycled along with your other metal containers.
Car Batteries
Automotive batteries can be recycled for free on a daily basis at the Yolo County Central Landfill Recycling Center. State law requires stores to accept your old battery upon the purchase of a new battery.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze should be disposed of during a HHW Drop-Off Day. The main ingredient of antifreeze is ethylene glycol; it has a sweet smell and taste that is attractive to children and pets and is highly toxic, so handle it with care.
Fluorescent Light bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain mercury that can pollute the environment and contaminate groundwater. Fluorescent bulbs and tubes should be taken to the Yolo County Central Landfill during a HHW Drop-Off Day for free disposal.
Used Motor Oil and Filters
One gallon of used motor oil can pollute one million gallons of drinking water. Each year, millions of gallons of used oil are illegally poured down drains and sewers or disposed of in the trash. Oil does not wear out-it just gets dirty. Used motor oil can be re-refined into new oil that is just as good as new. You can recycle your used motor oil for free at several locations in Davis, or call 1-800-CLEANUP for more information.
Other Items that are illegal to throw away in the trash:
Used Tires
When buying new tires, most dealers will take back your old tires. Used tires can be taken to the Yolo County Central Landfill Recycling Center. A fee may apply.
Household Batteries
Both single-use and rechargeable batteries contain toxic chemicals that can be released into the environment if not disposed of correctly. Used Alkaline and rechargeable batteries are accepted at several locations in Davis for free and safe disposal.
Electronics
Televisions, computer monitors and laptops cannot be thrown away in the trash. They contain lead and can contaminate groundwater if disposed of improperly. All electronics are accepted for FREE recycling at the Yolo County Central Landfill during normal business hours (Mon-Sat 6:30am-4pm and Sun 9am-5pm).
Does your business generate HHW? Do you struggle with disposal of Fluorescent light bulbs, paint, pesticides and batteries? You may qualify for the Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Program.