Residential Services – Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Many common products that we use in our homes and daily lives may contain hazardous ingredients and requuire special care when disposed.
For more information about HHW see our Safe Disposal page.
City of Monterey residents can drop off household hazardous waste (HHW) FREE of charge at the Monterey Regional Waste Management District.
Acceptable HHW Materials
antifreeze |
motor oil |
gasoline |
batteries |
nail polish, removers |
pool chemicals |
drain openers |
oven cleaners |
propane tanks |
flourescent bulbs |
paint, latex or oil |
used oil filters |
grease, rust solvents |
paint strippers |
wood cleaners |
high-intensity lamps |
paint thinners |
metal cleaners |
lighter fluid |
pesticides, insecticides |
herbacides |
mercury thermometers |
Not Acceptable
asbestos |
radioactive materials |
treated wood |
explosives |
rail ties |
tires |
medical waste |
Definition
The State of California has recently expanded their definitions of Hazardous a Universal Wastes. Items that fall under these categories are unlawful to dispose of in the normal waste stream.
The Monterey Regional Waste Management District (MRWMD), where the refuse collected in Monterey is disposed, has provided information explaining some of the non-acceptable items. Some of these items may be hauled to the MRWMD directly; however it is illegal to place them in the normal waste stream. Please refer to the MRWMD website orcall them for more information at 831-384-5313. Rules Explaining Hazardous Waste Disposal
Used Motor Oil Collection
Motor oil is a hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly. Monterey County Health Department, the City of Monterey, and Monterey City Disposal Service are working together to provide the residents of Monterey with a environmentally friendly option to disposing of your used motor oil. To dispose of your oil, you must use the County's used oil collection container. Simply, place your oil out on the curb, next to your blue cart, on your normal recycling collection day. If you do not have the proper container, one can be provided by calling Monterey Disposal at (831) 372-7977, for the City of Monterey residents. If you don't not live in the City of Monterey, but do live in Monterey County you can call 1-800-CLEANUP for information on how to obtain a recycling container. This service is provided for single family residences only. Oil must be free of all other fluids (i.e. no antifreeze or fuel) and properly placed to avoid spillage.