• Where can I turn in plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage containers?
• Are smoke detectors recyclable?
• Can I put my old TV, computer or other electronics in the trash?
• Can I recycle plastic?
• How can I conserve energy?
• How can I dispose of "plastic peanuts"?
• How can I dispose of my old computer?
• How can I dispose of used "sharps" (needles, syringes, lancets)?
• How can I dispose of used automobile tires?
• How can I stop receiving junk mail?
• How do I dispose of a Christmas tree?
• How do I dispose of car batteries?
• How do I dispose of heavy trash like household appliances?
• How do I dispose of paint and toxic materials?
• How do I dispose of used motor oil?
• How do I obtain a dumpster?
• How do I order recycling containers?
• How do I request trash cans?
• How do I set out my carts on collection day and what can and cannot be placed in them?
• How much does it cost at the landfill?
• How/where can businesses dispose of hazardous waste materials?
• I want to know about recycling.
• I want to report blocked storm drains.
• I want to report environmental problems like water, air, sewers , lead, asbestos.
• I want to report illegal dumping.
• I would like information on home composting.
• Is scavenging recyclables illegal?
• The trees in my street are diseased.
• What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
• What can I do to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff?
• What is the Community Enhancement Grant Program?
• What is the Neighborhood Cleanup Program?
• What is the Stormwater Quality Management Program?
• What is the street cleaning schedule?
• What is the WasteWatch Awards Program?
• What may enter a storm drain?
• What should not enter a storm drain?
• When is the next Community Cleanup and Recycling Day event?
• When is the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection event?
• When is the trash collection on my street?
• When/how can I burn leaves?
• Where are electric vehicle charging stations located?
• Where can I dispose of my RV sewage?
• Where can I dispose of propane tanks?
• Where can I recycle batteries from electronic products?
• Where can I recycle my plastic grocery bags?
• Where can I recycle tennis shoes?
• Where is the nearest landfill site?
• Who provides my trash collection services?
• Why are residents required to use a City-franchised trash hauler?

Where can I turn in plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage containers?
Visit Beverage Container Redemption Centers for a list of locations and which items are and are not subject to CRV.

Are smoke detectors recyclable?
Residents are encouraged to recycle used discarded smoke detectors by returning them to the original manufacturer.  You may also call the Environmental Hotline at (805) 449-SAVE or email gkaufman@toaks.org

Can I put my old TV, computer or other electronics in the trash?
Electronics may NOT be placed in the trash.  TVs and computer monitors are banned from landfill disposal because of lead in the glass screens.  Visit Computers and Electronics Recycling for information on electronics recycling, electronics drop-off sites, and electronics curbside collection.

Can I recycle plastic?
All plastic containers (any color), inlcuding soda bottles, detergent and shampoo bottles labeled with the numbers 1 through 7 on the bottom can be recycled.  Visit Trash, Yard Trimmings and Recycling Services for more information on recycling plastic and other materials.

How can I conserve energy?
Visit Conservation and Energy Saving Tips for helpful ways to conserve electricity, natural gas and water, and save money.

How can I dispose of "plastic peanuts"?
Plastic Peanuts, technically known as expanded polystyrene or EPS loose fill, are the loosely packed filler in merchandise shipping cartons.  For information on the plastic peanut packing reuse program and locations of nearby plastic peanut drop-off sites, visit The Plastic Loose Fill Council, or call the Peanut Hotline at (800) 828-2214.  You can also call to see if your local mailing store will accept extra packaging peanuts.

How can I dispose of my old computer?
Please visit Computers and Electronics Recycling for electronics recycling information, including drop-off sites and curbside collection, and state and national resources for the collection, re-use and recycling of used electronics.

How can I dispose of used "sharps" (needles, syringes, lancets)?
Visit Sharps (Needle) Disposal for information on proper and convenient disposal, sharps collection locations, and collection schedules for Ventura County residents.  For home generated sharps only- no businesses.

How can I dispose of used automobile tires?
Trash service providers in the City do not accept tires for disposal.  Other than returning the tires to the store where they were purchased, you can take them to the Simi Valley Landfill, 2801 Madera Road, Simi Valley, (805) 522-7023, or the Calabasas Landfill, 5300 Lost Hills Road, Agoura (818) 889-0363.  Disposal is not free.

You may dispose of your tires free at the City's annual Community Cleanup and Recycling Day event.  Click here for information.

How can I stop receiving junk mail?
Visit How to Reduce Junk Mail for some helpful tips on reducing unsolicited mail, or contact PublicWorks@toaks.org to request a free Junk Mail Reduction Guide.  Be sure to provide your name and address.

How do I dispose of a Christmas tree?
Please visit Holiday Tree Collection for information on holiday tree collection/recycling.  Please remove all ornaments, tinsel, nails and stands.

How do I dispose of car batteries?
Please visit Household Hazardous Waste Program.  Appointments are required.  To make an appointment, please email TOHHW@contactPSC.com or call (805) 449-SAVE (7283).  Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number.

How do I dispose of heavy trash like household appliances?
Annually residents may request up to two (2) free collections with a total of four (4) items per calendar year.  Some restrictions apply.  Contact your residential disposal company for additional information and to schedule a bulky item pick-up.  Waste Management: (805) 522-9400 or Newbury Disposal: (805) 647-1414.

How do I dispose of paint and toxic materials?
The City of Thousand Oaks operates a monthly program (no December event) for collecting household hazardous waste.  The program is generally open the first Saturday of each month and regularly serves over 300 participants each month, collecting up to 30,000 pounds of toxic waste that may otherwise have been placed in the trash or illegally dumped.  Appointments are required.

How do I dispose of used motor oil?
Used oil and oil filters are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Program, or visit Oil and Filter Recycling Centers for information on free oil and filter recycling centers in Thousand Oaks.

How do I obtain a dumpster?
The following authorized temporary hauling companies provide short-term service for cleanup and remodeling projects:

How do I order recycling containers?
For the Thousand Oaks and Westlake areas, please call Waste Management at (805) 522-9400; for the Newbury Park area, please call Newbury Disposal / E. J. Harrison and Sons at (800) 418-7274.

How do I request trash cans?
For the Thousand Oaks and Westlake areas, please call Waste Management at (805) 522-9400; for the Newbury Park area, please call Newbury Disposal / E. J. Harrison and Sons at (800) 418-7274.

How do I set out my carts on collection day and what can and cannot be placed in them?
Please visit Trash, Yard Trimmings and Recycling Services.  

How much does it cost at the landfill?
Call (805) 579-7267 or visit the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center website for hours and waste disposal fees.

How/where can businesses dispose of hazardous waste materials?
The City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department offers a program to assist local businesses in disposing of hazardous waste.  If your Thousand Oaks business generates less than 220 pounds (approximately 27 gallons) of hazardous waste per month, or a maximum of 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste per month, then this program will save you time and money.  Our appointment-based program is affordable, convenient, safe, and legal.   Disposal discount is available depending on the type and quantity of waste received.  For details, or to schedule an appointment, please call (805) 449-2428 or contact gkaufman@toaks.org.

I want to know about recycling.
Please visit Environmental Programs for information on City residential and business recycling programs, including Household Hazardous Waste Collection events, composting workshops, community cleanup events, neighborhood cleanup, electronics recycling, curbside recycling, recycling centers, and much, much more.

I want to report blocked storm drains.
To report a storm drain that is clogged or otherwise in need of maintenance, please call the Public Works Department Municipal Service Center at (805) 449-2499 or e-mail PublicWorksMSC@toaks.org.

I want to report environmental problems like water, air, sewers , lead, asbestos.

• Pollution discharged to street or storm drains.  Call (805) 449-2400.
  
• Air Quality:  Contact the Ventura County Air Pollution Control (VCAPCD) District at (805) 645-1400 or info@vcapcd.org
  
• Asbestos: Visit the VCAPCD Asbestos website
  
• Lead: Contact Cal-OSHA at (805) 654-4581
  
• Blocked or Overflowing Sewers/Storm Drains: Contact the Municipal Service Center at (805) 499-2499
  
• Water:  If your water service provider is the City of Thousand Oaks, contact the Public Works Department at (805) 449-2400 or PublicWorks@toaks.org.  If you are served by California-American Water Company, please call (805) 498-6770.  If you are served by California Water Service, please call (805) 497-2757. 

I want to report illegal dumping.
To report illegal dumping, please contact the Public Works Department at (805) 449-2400 or mailto:PublicWorks@toaks.org

I would like information on home composting.
Visit Home Composting and Grasscycling for information on how to compost, what can and cannot be composted, compost items available for purchase, and much more.

Is scavenging recyclables illegal?
Since the recyclables collected by the City's franchised haulers help offset refuse/recycling service costs, scavenging of recyclables placed for collection is illegal.  Persons witnessing scavenging should report the incident to the Thousand Oaks Police Department at (805) 494-8200.

The trees in my street are diseased.
Contact the Public Works Department Municipal Service Center at (805) 449-2499.  A work order will be filled out regarding your concern and entered on the tree maintenance schedule.  A work order will normally be completed within two to four weeks.  If the situation is an emergency, City staff will have an arborist come to your residence as soon as possible to evaluate your concern.

What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are activities, practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices designed to prevent or reduce pollution.  BMPs also include treatment technologies, operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw sewage.  BMPs may include structural devices or nonstructural practices.

What can I do to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff?
Everyone can reduce pollution in stormwater by implementing a few good housekeeping practices:

• Keep storm drains and street gutters clear of debris.
  
• Clean up after your pets.
  
• Store and dispose of household chemicals properly.  Always use them in the way they were intended.  Seal the product to prevent leakage.  Take unwanted hazardous wastes to proper disposal facilities.
  
• Don't treat roofs or driveways with toxic chemicals used for cleaning or moss retardation.
  
• Plant native vegetation.
  
• Maintain your automobile.  Regular car maintenance can reduce oil drippings and other pollutants on the road.
  
• Use biodegradable products for landscaping, car washing, etc.
  
• Reduce the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides in your yard and garden.  If you do apply fertilizer and chemicals to your lawn, follow the application instructions found on the label.

What is the Community Enhancement Grant Program?
As part of the City’s Community Enhancement Program, the Thousand Oaks City Council approved funding for a Community Grants Program on February 8, 2000. The program provides grants for nonprofit community and school groups, such as clubs and booster organizations, to raise money to support group activities. As funding is generated from the City's Solid Waste Management Reserve Fund, projects must involve waste reduction and/or community beautification activities, such as litter removal, tree planting and/or trimming, mulching, composting, or non-native plant removal.  Groups are encouraged to develop their own project.  Visit Community Enhancement Grant Program for program guidelines and how to apply.

What is the Neighborhood Cleanup Program?
The Community Enhancement Program gives residents the opportunity to host clean up events right in their own neighborhood.  Once a year, residential areas are able to apply to the City to receive large, roll-off dumpsters for trash and yard trimmings disposal during a one day program -- and the City pays the disposal cost as part of the Community Enhancement Program! Visit Neighborhood Cleanup Program for more information.

What is the Stormwater Quality Management Program?
The City is required by the Clean Water Act to comply with a Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the State. The  Stormwater Quality Management Program implements this Federal mandate to reduce the amount of pollution that enters our storm drain system.  For more information, visit Stormwater Quality Management Program.

What is the street cleaning schedule?
Click on Street Sweeping Schedule and click on the first letter of your street name.

What is the WasteWatch Awards Program?
WasteWatch is an awards program that showcases local businesses and non-profit groups that manage waste and purchases in an environmentally responsible manner.  Click here for more information on the City of Thousand Oaks WasteWatch Award Program.

What may enter a storm drain?

• Surface water (diverted stream flows, springs, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands);
• Ground water (uncontaminated rising ground water, uncontaminated ground water, foundation drains, water from crawl space pumps, footing drains);
• Potable water (irrigation water, landscape irrigation, lawn watering, dechlorinated draining associated with swimming pools, firefighting emergency activities);
• Since residential car washing.

What should not enter a storm drain?
Oil, anti-freeze, paint, cleaning fluids; wash water from a commercial car wash; industrial discharges; wash waters from commercial/industrial activities; contaminated foundation drains; sanitary sewer discharges; septic tank discharges; washing machine discharges; chlorinated backwash and draining associated with swimming pools; and anything not listed as permitted discharges.

When is the next Community Cleanup and Recycling Day event?
Visit Community Cleanup and Recycling Day for date, time, location and program information.

When is the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection event?
Please visit Household Hazardous Waste Program for information on the next scheduled event and how to make an appointment.

When is the trash collection on my street?
Please contact your service provider for a pickup schedule.  For the Thousand Oaks and Westlake areas, please call Waste Management at (805) 522-9400; for the Newbury Park area, please call Newbury Disposal / E. J. Harrison and Sons at (800) 418-7274.

When/how can I burn leaves?
Sec. 6-2.603 of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code expressly prohibits any person or legal entity to burn, bury or dump solid waste, green waste or recyclable materials within the City at any time.

Where are electric vehicle charging stations located?
Visit EV Charging Stations (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties) or Clean Car Maps for a list of alternative fuel vehicle charging stations in California.

Where can I dispose of my RV sewage?
In Thousand Oaks, you may contact Majestic RV Center, 3242 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, telephone (805) 496-1133, or Westlake RV Storage, 395 Conejo Ridge Avenue, telephone (805) 371-4150.  In Simi Valley, Simi Wash Center, telephone (805) 526-2002, offers a free dump station for RVs.

Where can I dispose of propane tanks?
Propane tanks are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Program.  Please email TOHHW@contactPSC.com or call (805) 449-SAVE (7283) for an appointment.  Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number.

Where can I recycle batteries from electronic products?

Where can I recycle my plastic grocery bags?
Plastic grocery bags can be returned to your local grocery store for recycling, or deposited in your curbside residential recycling bin for pickup with your other household recyclables.

Where can I recycle tennis shoes?
Tennis shoe drop-off locations include:

Where is the nearest landfill site?
Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center, located at 2801 Madera Road, Simi Valley, CA   (805) 579-7267

Calabasas Landfill, located at 5300 Lost Hills Road, Agoura, CA  (818) 889-0363. 

Call or visit their websites for hours of operation and waste disposal fees.

Who provides my trash collection services?
Click here for information on trash collection services for your area and short-term services for cleanup, demolition, and remodeling projects. 

Why are residents required to use a City-franchised trash hauler?
The City Public Works Department oversees exclusive and non-exclusive franchised collection services by private local refuse companies.

The purpose of the exclusive franchise system is to encourage waste reduction, reduce traffic congestion by limiting haulers to geographic zones, and to prevent interruption of service.  The City sets maximum rates for refuse collection and recycling services.