Household Hazardous Waste

Free disposal of household toxins and electronic waste is available at the City of Poway's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility. Proof of residency (formal I.D. or current utility bill) is required. No appointment is required.

Household hazardous waste is unused or leftover portions of products containing hazardous chemicals used to maintain your residence. Products labeled caution, warning, danger, poison, toxic, flammable, or corrosive are considered hazardous.

Transportation & Weight Limits

Leave products in the original container with lids on tight so they will not leak. Transport containers in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers. Do not transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds at a time in containers no larger than a 5-gallon bucket.

To reduce the amount of Household Hazardous Waste you generate, please buy only what you need and use it up. Choose less toxic alternatives and recyclables.

Examples of HHW

Household hazardous waste includes leftover:

  • Aerosol cans, non-empty
  • All Purpose Cleaners
  • Antifreeze
  • Auto batteries
  • Auto fluids, oil, and filters
  • Batteries
  • Cooking oil, residential
  • Disinfectants
  • Drain opener
  • Electronic devices: TV, monitor, VCR, stereo, CPU, wireless phones, microwave ovens
  • Fertilizers
  • Fluorescent tubes and bulbs and other mercury-containing lamps
  • Furniture polish
  • Gasoline (with container)
  • Latex (water based) paint
  • Lighter fluid
  • Oil-based paint
  • Oven cleaner
  • Pesticides
  • Pool chemicals
  • Propane canisters
  • Road flares
  • Sharps waste
  • Smoke detectors
  • Solvents and thinners
  • Thermometers
  • Thermostats
  • Treated wood (not exceeding 4 ft in length)
  • Varnishes

Proper Disposal

It is dangerous and illegal to discard household hazardous waste into the trash, a storm drain, or down the sewer drain. Instead, use up the product as intended or take the unused portion to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. Uncontaminated used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, and automotive batteries may also be taken to a local certified collection center.