Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off This Weekend

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — Alameda County can make their home safer by getting rid of the hazardous waste around their home and dropping it off for free at Golden Gate Fields.

On Sunday October 2, residents can dispose up to 15 gallons of liquid waste or 125 pounds of solid household hazardous waste, which can range from pesticides and poisons to paint, construction adhesives and e-waste such as old computers and electronics. Individual items/containers must be no larger than 5 gallons or weigh more than 50 pounds.

People must register online for a drop off appointment time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. They must bring identification. The event, which is being coordinated by StopWaste.org in partnership with the City of Berkeley Zero Waste Division, is open only to Alameda County residents. Businesses can take part in other programs.

To speed up the drop-off, fill out the Waste Delivery Form which will be emailed to you and bring it with you to the drop-off location, which is accessed only from the Buchanan Street Off-Ramp from Interstate 80.
Untended chemicals can pose a danger to people, animals and your property. Dispose of hazardous waste before it becomes a danger. Berkeley residents should take advantage of this opportunity close to home.
If you cannot make the one-day event, find a drop-off location that's convenient to you.
What's OK to bring:

• Paint: Stain, Shellac, Solvents, Thinners, Additives, Oil Paint, Latex Paint
• Auto: Fuel, Waxes, Batteries, Additives, Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze
• Garden: Sprays, Fertilizers, Ant Traps, Pesticides, Herbicides, Rat Poison, Gopher Bait
• Adhesives: Putty, Caulk, Epoxy, Mortar, Stucco, Uncured Cement Powder, Wood Glue
• Electronics: Televisions, Computers, Telephones, Stereo Equipment, Microwaves, Thermostats, Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps, Digital Clocks, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, Cathode Ray Tubes
• Miscellaneous: Fluorescent Bulbs, Household Batteries, Needles & Other Sharps, Most Prescription Medicine & Drugs including Controlled Substances, Acids & Caustics, Bleach & Cleaners, Photo Chemicals, Pool Chemicals, Propane

Items that require special packaging:
Needles & Other Sharps - must be packaged in FDA-approved sharps disposal containers that are made with puncture and leak-resistant plastic.
Medicine & Drugs - old, expired or unneeded prescription and non-prescription drugs and controlled substances. Pills should be poured out into Ziploc bags (it protects your privacy and lowers our cost). It's ok to mix all your pills in one bag (except for controlled substances - leave them in the original containers with the drug name visible). Liquids and creams: leave in their original container and secure caps/lids, black out any personally identifying information.
What's NOT OK to bring:
Explosives, radioactives, most compressed gases. Asbestos, railroad ties or treated wood. For disposal options call Altamont Landfill (925) 449-6349.
Questions? Call 800-606-6606

--Announcement from City of Berkeley; Image via Shutterstock