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Here’s an excellent opportunity to dispose of leftover pesticides, fertilizers (even the organic ones!), paints and other everyday household hazardous waste items. Community members often contact us to find out where to take these types of items – and the regular drop off location is inconvenient for some, so we want to make sure everyone knows about this special, one day drop off event in our area. StopWaste is running the drop off for Alameda County residents. All items are free to dispose of, but they do want you to pre-register. Click here for details and to sign up!

Here’s the guidelines for what they will be accepting.
What’s OK to bring:
Paint – Stain, Shellac, Solvents, Thinners, Additives, Oil Paint, Latex Pain
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, 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 (Due to legal restrictions WE CANNOT ACCEPT 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 – see below). 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 search Recycle Where? or call Altamont Landfill (925) 449-6349.
Due to legal restrictions WE CANNOT ACCEPT CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. These can be taken to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Eden Township Substation at 15001 Foothill Blvd, San Leandro (self-service drop box in lobby) MAP.

[Photo credit: Bitslammer on Flickr]