Batteries and other household hazardous waste should never go in any trash or recycling bin because of their potential to spark a fire. Proper disposal of items such as batteries, paint and motor oil is essential for the health and safety of our community. Any leftover or unused products labeled with the words caution, warning, danger, poison, toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive are considered household hazardous waste and must be taken to a dedicated, local collection facility or official collection event.
Appointments can be made online at sandiego.gov/HHW. The Transfer Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and drop-off is free.
The drop-off process involves just three easy steps:
- Review the City’s website at sandiego.gov/HHW to see what is accepted.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Follow instructions upon arrival at the Transfer Facility, where you remain in your vehicle while staff unload your items. The City takes care of the rest, and drop-off is free of charge.
Services are reserved to residents of the City of San Diego only.
Household hazardous waste is accepted (while electronics are accepted at Miramar Recycling next door). Electronic recycling is 25 cents per pound.
Services:
–Drop off by appointment only every Wednesday (starting April 1, 2026) and Saturday between 9 AM – 3 PM at 5161 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Proof of residency required.
–Pick up is available on a limited basis depending on availability and need. Please request a pickup on the City’s Get-It-Done app by clicking here and selecting “Yes, I need help with my HHW”. An inspector will contact you within 3 business days.
Hours of operation:
-Every Wednesday and Saturday of the month by appointment only. Call Environmental Services Department at (858) 694-7000 to schedule an appointment or click here to schedule an appointment online.
Maximum Transportation Limits:
-15 gallons of liquid or 125 pounds total volume of household hazardous waste.
Handling instructions:
-Leave products in the existing container, if possible.
-Ensure lids are on tight so containers will no leak.
-Transport containers in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers and pets
-Do not transport over 15 gallons or 125 pounds at one time.
-Containers used for transport must be no larger than a 5 gallon bucket.
Other requirements:
-Bring proof of residency in the form of a drivers license or a utility bill.
-Gasoline needs to be in an approved container, commonly found at auto parts stores. Please note, containers are not returned.
-Needles/sharps should be transported in a rigid, puncture-resistant, tightly-sealed container, including: bleach bottles, liquid detergent bottles, or coffee cans with lids.
-Empty containers can be recycled in your blue bin.
-Does not take treated wood
What’s accepted: paints; motor oil and oil filters; household batteries; pesticides; lightbulbs and lamps; needles, lancets and sharps; prescription and over-the-counter medications (no prescription painkillers); propane gas cylinders; fire extinguishers; pool and garden chemicals; antifreeze; aerosols; and household cleaners.
What’s NOT accepted: swollen or reactive batteries; business waste; treated wood; prescription painkillers; appliances; asbestos waste; containers larger than five gallons; compressed gas cylinders (other than propane cylinders and fire extinguishers); electronics; explosives (ammunition, fireworks, marine flares); and radioactive material.