San Mateo County sets appointment-only process for household hazardous waste drop-off on June 20
San Mateo County, California – Half Moon Bay is giving San Mateo County residents a safe way to clear out the kind of household products that should never be poured down a drain, tossed in the trash, or left forgotten in a garage corner.
The County of San Mateo announced that a household hazardous waste drop-off event will be held in Half Moon Bay for county residents on June 20. The service is free, but residents must make an appointment before arriving. Appointments can be scheduled online at smchealth.org/hhw-appt or by calling 650-372-6200.
County officials are reminding residents to take a close look at product labels before deciding what belongs at the event. If a container includes words such as “caution,” “warning,” “danger,” or “poison,” the item may be hazardous and should be handled through the proper disposal program. That can include many common household products kept in sheds, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and laundry rooms.
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The drop-off process is meant to be simple. Residents first need to review the program rules, including what items are accepted and what items are not. They then choose an appointment day, time, and location through the county’s online system. Once the appointment is finalized, the exact drop-off location is sent to the resident.
When residents arrive, they must stay inside their vehicle. County staff will greet them, take a brief survey, and unload the hazardous waste. Drivers are also told to turn off their engines and extinguish any smoking materials while at the site.
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There are important limits. State rules do not allow anyone to transport more than 10 liquid gallons or 50 solid pounds of hazardous waste in one vehicle load at a time. Residents with more than that amount may make more than one appointment, but each trip must stay within the allowed limit.
The program also cannot accept containers larger than 5 gallons. Waste stored in larger containers should be transferred into buckets with secure lids, no larger than 5 gallons each. Those buckets should be labeled with the name and description of the original product. County officials stress one rule above all others: never mix waste. It is dangerous.
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Residents should keep products in original, non-leaking containers whenever possible. Items should be placed upright in sturdy boxes, crates, or bins, not loose plastic bags. Leaking or fragile containers should be placed inside a larger container with a secure lid. Waste should be placed in the back of the vehicle, away from pets or other items not meant for disposal.
Some items are not accepted through the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program. These include electronic waste, nitrous oxide products such as whippits, canisters, tanks, and chargers, as well as lithium-ion batteries larger than AA.
Residents with questions can read the program FAQ, email [email protected], call 650-372-6200, or make an appointment here.
