In 2006 a law was passed requiring all of us to recycle or properly dispose of “universal waste.” Universal waste includes common household items that can be hazardous to people and the environment, and that can lead to groundwater contamination from chemicals such as mercury, lead, acid, zinc, cadmium, or other corrosive and flammable toxins. Below is a guide to the proper disposal of these items.
- Household Batteries: Community Conservation Center (CCC), Household Hazardous Waste drop-off in Oakland (HHW), Art’s Automotive (fee), Ikea-Emeryville. Rechargeable batteries can be taken back to any store that sells them.
- Compact Fluorescents (CFLs): CCC, HHW, Ikea-Emeryville
- Computers and TVs: Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC), Berkeley Transfer Station (non-working)
- Microwave ovens, ovens: Berkeley Transfer Station, Low Cost Appliances (call first)
- Phones and small electronics: ACCRC. Cell phone stores accept them back.
- Appliances: Berkeley Transfer Station
- Mercury containing thermostats and switches: CCC
- Aerosol cans, fuels, solvents, tanks: HHW
Contact information:
Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Program (HHW)
- Oakland Facility: 2100 East 7th St. at Kennedy St.
Call or visit website first for open hours.
(800) 606-6606
http://www.household-hazwaste.org/
Community Conservation Center (CCC)
- 2nd St @ Gilman St, Berkeley
(510) 524-7110
http://www.berkeleyrecycling.org
Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC)
- 1501 Eastshore Hwy., Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 528-4052
http://www.accrc.org/
Berkeley Transfer Station
- 1201- 2nd St., near Gilman, Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 981-7270
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/pw/swm.html
Art’s Automotive
- 2871 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 540-7093
http://www.artsautomotive.com/batteries.htm
Ikea
- 4400 Shellmound St., Emeryville, CA
Phone 510-420-4532
Hours: Sun-Fri 10am – 9pm, Saturday 9am – 9pm
Low Cost Appliances
- 6451 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA
(510) 658-4404
Drop-off: Call for acceptance.
For the most up to date information, call the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Program at 510-670-6460.
