Q:Is there a central drop-off location for household hazardous waste?

A: Yes. The City of San Diego Environmental Services Department operates a Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility located at the entrance to the Miramar Landfill. Products labeled with words such as "danger, warning, poison, caution, flammable and corrosive," are household hazardous waste. Commonly, these products are household cleaners, paints, pool chemicals, lighter fluids and solvents. It is illegal and dangerous to dispose of these products in a trash container or at landfills. Effective Feb. 9, 2006, universal wastes, including household batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and mercury-containing items, cannot be placed in the trash. To properly dispose of these products, residents in the City of San Diego need to make an appointment at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility by calling 858-694-7000 (Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The facility is open on Saturdays to those with appointments only.

Q: How can residents recycle leftover auto products such as antifreeze, used motor oil, oil filters and vehicle batteries?

A: More than 90 auto product and oil change businesses within the City of San Diego are state-certified used motor oil collection centers. Many of these centers collect oil filters, too. Businesses that sell vehicle batteries usually take back the old battery for recycling. Check with the business regarding the takeback policies at the time of purchase. To find a location nearby, visit the Earth 911 website or call 1-800-CLEANUP.

The City of San Diego Environmental Services Department hosts free Used Auto Product Recycling events at various locations throughout the city. The City collects antifreeze, contaminated oil, oil filters, used motor oil and vehicle batteries at these events. To see the current event schedule, visit the Calendar of Events for Used Auto Product Recycling.

If you have all types of household hazardous waste and auto products, you can also make an appointment at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility by calling 858-694-7000 (Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The facility is open on Saturdays only to those with appointments.