Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)


Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be “household hazardous waste” or “HHW.” Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides, that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them.

 

 
 

Upcoming HHW Monthly Events
 
June 1, 2013 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
July 13, 2013 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


Household Hazardous Waste Program


The City of Thousand Oaks operates a monthly Household Hazardous Waste collection program for residents of Thousand Oaks and unincorporated Ventura County areas. These free collection events regularly serve over 300 participants and collect up to 30,000 pounds of toxic waste that may otherwise have been placed in the trash or illegally dumped.

How to Participate - Make a Free Appointment


Participating in a FREE City Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is easy. Just follow these 3 steps:

Step 1 - Review the list of Accepted Materials (below) to see if you have hazardous waste that
qualifies for the program. 

Step 2 - Verify that you are a Thousand Oaks or unincorporated Ventura County resident.
If you do not live in one of these areas, you will not be able to participate. Please check your city or county website for hazardous waste collection programs in your area. 

Step 3 - Schedule an appointment (Required).  Refer to the event registration schedule above and click on the appropriate link to schedule an appointment online. 

 Register early! On-line registration closes at 12 p.m. the Thursday prior to each collection
event. Appointment times are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Review the information on the event homepage and complete the on-line registration form. 
 A confirmation e-mail will be sent following successful registration. 

 
On the day of the event

Carefully transport your hazardous waste to the collection site. 
Arrive promptly at your scheduled time 
Bring a valid ID or utility bill to verify residency

Transportation Guidelines:
    - It is against the law to transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste
at any one time in your vehicle.
    - Never mix chemicals
    - Place loose materials in sealed containers. Please note, containers will not be returned.
    - Pack materials securely to prevent tipping and spilling.

Drop off your hazardous waste: After driving through the check-in station, program staff will unload and process your hazardous materials. You never leave your vehicle!

Household Hazardous Waste Program Schedule

There is no hazardous waste collection scheduled for December, 2013.
The 2013 schedule is as follows:

2013 HHW Collection Event Scheduled Dates (All events on Saturday)

January 12 April 6 July 13 October 5
February 2 May 4 August 3 November 2
March 2 June 1 September 7 December (no event)


Household Hazardous Waste Program Details


Materials Accepted at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

In the house:
Aerosol sprays
Batteries
Fluorescent light bulbs
Holiday light strands
Liquid cleaners
Medical needles (sharps)
Nail polish and remover
Oven cleaners

Polishes
Used Frying Oil
In the yard:
Fertilizers
Fungicides
Pesticides
Pool chemicals
Propane cylinders
Weed killers

In the garage:
Antifreeze
Auto batteries
Brake fluid
Engine cleaners
Gasoline
Oil and oil filters
Waxes and polishes

In the workshop:

Glues and adhesives
Paint (all kinds)
Paint thinners
Photo chemicals
Solvents
Wood preservatives and finishes

*State law restricts the transportation of more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds per vehicle.

Materials NOT Accepted at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
 

Biological waste
Business waste
Radioactive materials

Medications
Controlled substances
Explosives/ammunition


Other Types of Hazardous Waste Disposal

Battery Recycling

Household batteries of all sizes (AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9 Volt, etc.), both rechargeable and single use are considered hazardous waste when discarded. All household batteries can be recycled at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Program or at the following drop-off locations.

Facility

Address

Battery Drop Location

Alex Fiore Teen Center 1375 E. Janss Road Front Desk
Borchard Community Park 190 Reino Road Front Entrance
California Lutheran University 101 Memorial Parkway Student Union Building
Dos Vientos Community Center 4801 Borchard Road Front Lobby (next to front desk)
Goebel Senior Center 1385 E. Janss Road Front Lobby
Grant R. Brimhall Library 1401 E. Janss Road Children's Entrance &
Adult Entrance
The Home Depot 2747 Teller Road Store Entrance
Newbury Park Library 2331 Borchard Road Front Entrance
Newbury Park Police Resource Center 2331 Borchard Road Entrance
Thousand Oaks City Hall 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. 1st Floor - Public Works Lobby
2nd Floor - Finance Dept. Lobby
3rd Floor - Police Resource Center
Thousand Oaks Community Center 2525 N. Moorpark Road Front Entrance
Westlake High School 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Front Office

Click here to view the Thousand Oaks Household Battery Recycling flyer.

Please note: Automotive and industrial batteries are not accepted at these drop locations. Automotive and industrial batteries can be recycled at a City of Thousand Oaks Hazardous Waste Collection Event. Return to the top of the page for hazardous waste collection dates and program guidelines.


Fluorescent Light Disposal

Unbroken fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lights can be taken to any Home Depot store for disposal. Compact fluorescent lights are deposited in bright orange collection boxes near the store entrance.

Fluorescent tubes can be turned in at the customer service counter.
Thousand Oaks Location:
2745 Teller Road
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 375-6680

Click here to visit Home Depot's Eco Options webpage and learn more about the CFL Recycling Program.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are also accepted at the Thousand Oaks Do It Center location (3775 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, 91362).

Broken fluorescent bulbs require immediate attention to minimize exposure to mercury vapor contained in the glass tubing.

Click here to view the EPA's guidelines on what to do if a fluorescent light breaks in your home.


Visit these websites for additional information:

EPA Chemical Data Access Tool - Use this online tool to find chemical health and safety information submitted to the EPA.

National Library of Medicine (NLM) Household Products Database provides easy to understand information on the potential health effects of ingredients contained in more than 4,000 common household products.

The Big Green Box offers companies and consumers an easy, low cost way to recycle batteries and portable electronic devices.

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) to locate the nearest drop-off and collection sites for used and rechargeable batteries.

"Clean It" Guidebook - Click here to download this useful guidebook for tips on safer cleaning products and house cleaning methods that really work!

For additional information and curbside recycling information, visit the Residential Curbside Collection page.