Household Hazardous Waste
Universal waste (U-waste) is a term used to describe common household waste that contains hazardous material that may be released when compacted or crushed (including E-waste). State law prohibits these materials from disposal in the Landfill. They must be separated from your household waste for recycling.
U-waste and some other products that cannot be disposed of as regular household trash due to their hazardous content can be brought in limited quantities to the Mariposa County Landfill, Compost Facility and Recycling Center or to the Don Pedro Transfer Station for recycling during regular hours of operation.
If you have hazardous household waste that cannot be recycled (scroll down for list), you must make a reservation to bring it to an HHW collection event at either the Landfill or at the Don Pedro Transfer Station HHW collection facilities. Upcoming events will be posted on the Public Works website.
The best way to manage HHW is to buy only what you need and use it up. If you have leftovers you can't use, a friend or local organization may be able to use them. Simple, inexpensive, safe alternatives are also available in many cases.
Check out these websites for other ideas or search green cleaning recipes and organic gardening:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
City of Albuquerque
Grow Smart, Grow Safe
Oklahoma Dept. of Environmental Quality
(scroll down for list)
U-waste accepted for recycling at the Landfill during regular hours of operation:
(These may also be brought to the Don Pedro Transfer Station. Minimal fees may apply to some items.
Uncontaminated motor oil
20 gal. limit per trip in containers no larger than 5 gals.
No more than 10
Tape ends of lithium and NiCad rechargeable batteries and
place in separate containers to prevent explosions.
Fluorescent Lamps & Bulbs
(Dispose of incandescent bulbs with household trash.)
Mercury containing items
Limit of 20 per trip
TVs, laptops, monitors, computers, cell phones, other electronic equipment
HHW materials that require an appointment:
- Oven/drain cleaners
- Aerosol cans
- Art supplies
- Engine/brake part cleaner
- Contaminated oil
- Rust preventative
- Wood preservatives
- Photo chemicals
- Household cleaners
- Nail polish remover
- Weed killers
- Insect sprays
- Pool chemicals
- Brake fluid
- BBQ tanks
The pesticides listed below have been canceled or restricted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because of their effects on human health or the environment. If you have products containing these ingredients don't use them. Take them to a household hazardous waste collection facility.
- Lead arsenate
- Lindane (a few uses remain, such as lice shampoo)