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WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE?
Many products found in your home contain hazardous substances that can potentially harm you or the environment when mishandled or improperly disposed. Hazardous products become hazardous “waste” when we want to get rid of them. Improper and illegal disposal can contaminate our drinking water, impede waste water treatment plants, pollute local waterways and endanger workers. It can also lead to penalties and fines for businesses. It is illegal and unsafe to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, on the ground or down storm drains.
HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION FACILITY FOR SAFE DISPOSALThe Napa-Vallejo Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is for safe and legal disposal of unusable hazardous products. Please remember to pack products carefully so they won’t mix or spill and transport them in the trunk if possible. The facility accepts all types of hazardous waste except: Radioactives • Explosives • Ammunition
For highway safety, there is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of household hazardous waste per trip.
Households: No appointment required; no fee.Businesses: Appointment only; fee for service. The HHW facility is located at 889-A Devlin Road, off Hwy 29 in south Napa
Open every Fri & Sat: 9am-4pmFor more information call: 1-800-984-9661 or 707-259-8608EXAMPLES OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTEHOME:Polishes & cleanersOven cleaners
Drain openersLighter fluidsUnwanted medications
SyringesCosmeticsFluorescent bulbsRechargeable or Alkaline batteriesMercury containing items (thermometers, thermostats, etc.)
GARDEN OR LANDSCAPE:
Fungicides
Insecticides
Herbicides
Pool chemicals
GARAGE OR WORKSHOP:
Latex & oil-based paints
Paint thinner & strippers
Wood preservatives
Grease & rust solvents
Wood & metal cleaners
Glues, cements
Photo chemicals
Antifreeze
Transmission fluids
Gasoline, fuel additives
Carburetor cleaners
Batteries
Used oil & oil filters
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL FOR BUSINESSES Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Program
A business that generates less than 220 pounds or 27 gallons of hazardous waste a month is considered a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG). This program offers businesses an affordable way to comply with state laws and regulations for disposal of hazardous waste. Appointments are required and there is a charge for this service. Call the Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at (1-800-984-9661) or the Napa County Department of Environmental Management (253-4471) for more information. Protect your business and employees by disposing of unwanted, unused, and out-of-date hazardous wastes properly.
RETHINK & REDUCE TOXIC WASTES
Can the product be used by someone else?
If you have an unwanted product that someone else could use - don’t let it sit on the shelf! Bring it to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility where they will determine if it can be put in the “Reuse Locker.”
Unwanted household hazardous waste is very expensive for the County to dispose. A better option for both your budget and the environment is to prevent the “waste” from the start.
1) Buy the right product for the job. There is no magic bullet! What do you want the product to do?
2) Buy the least toxic alternative. Many manufacturers are responding to consumer demands for alternatives.
3) Buy only the amount you need or can use up. Will you be able to use up the “jumbo” or “bargain” size product before it expires?
4) Store the product properly so it doesn’t become unusable. Keep in a covered, dry, safe place.
Our Water, Our World is a program that provides information about less-toxic alternatives to managing home and garden pests. Choose less toxic products for your home and garden.. Look for the "Our Water, Our World" symbol before you buy. Participating Napa County stores include:
Napa:
- Orchard Supply Hardware
- Van Winden Garden Center
- Zeller's Ace Hardware
St. Helena:
- Central Valley Builders
- Whiting Nursery
Calistoga:
In each store look for:
- User-friendly Fact Sheets on common pests & less toxic ways to control them including product recommendations
- Tags on store shelves to help you find the less-toxic products recommended
Pesticide Alternatives
Whether it is a snail outdoors or cockroaches indoors, prevention and maintenance are the key words for pest control. In addition to less toxic products, there are many effective alternatives to pesticides and the Our Water Our World fact sheets are a great way to get information about the specific pest that’s bugging you.
Some examples of alternatives to pesticides include:
1) eliminating attractions - drain standing water, seal all garbage containers, remove pet food dishes after use, weatherstrip doors, use window screens
2) non-invasive methods to remove the pest - sticky traps, fly strips, pit traps
3) pest-specific barriers - teflon tape, plant covers, copper barriers
To Learn More: Visit these sites for in-depth discussion on the benefits of reducing our use of toxics, examples of product substitutes, and fact sheets for specific problems.
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