How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste in San Diego
Household hazardous waste (HHW) — paint, batteries, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, motor oil, propane and fluorescent tubes — is illegal to put in the trash or pour down the drain in San Diego, and it's the one category a junk removal truck can't legally haul. Here's how to get rid of it safely.
What counts as household hazardous waste?
- Paint, stains, solvents and thinners
- Batteries (car, rechargeable and lithium)
- Motor oil, antifreeze and other automotive fluids
- Pesticides, herbicides and pool chemicals
- Propane tanks and other pressurized/flammable containers
- Fluorescent tubes, CFL bulbs and mercury thermostats
Option 1: The City of San Diego HHW Transfer Facility (free, by appointment)
City of San Diego residents can drop off household hazardous waste for free at the HHW Transfer Facility at the Miramar Landfill — but it's by appointment only, so book online before you go. There are limits on how much you can bring per visit. If you live in another jurisdiction, check your city's own HHW program.
Option 2: Retailer and store take-back
Many hardware and auto-parts stores take back specific items: paint through PaintCare drop-off sites, rechargeable and lithium batteries at electronics and hardware retailers, and motor oil and filters at auto-parts stores. It's often the fastest option for a single item type.
What CleanOut247 can and can't take
By law we can't put hazardous waste in the truck with regular junk, so paint, chemicals, batteries and propane need to go through the HHW facility or a take-back program. But when we do a garage, estate or whole-house cleanout, we'll set those items aside, tell you exactly where they go, and haul everything else — furniture, appliances, e-waste and general junk — in one trip.
Doing a cleanout? We'll haul the junk and point you to the right HHW drop-off.
(619) 999-3565Frequently asked questions
Where can I dispose of hazardous waste in San Diego?
City of San Diego residents can drop off household hazardous waste for free at the HHW Transfer Facility at the Miramar Landfill, by appointment only. Retailers also take back paint (PaintCare), batteries and motor oil. Residents of other cities should check their own local HHW program.
Can a junk removal company take paint or chemicals?
No. Hazardous waste like paint, chemicals, batteries, motor oil and propane can't legally be hauled with regular junk. We'll set them aside during a cleanout and tell you exactly where to take them, then haul everything else.
Is hazardous waste disposal free in San Diego?
For City of San Diego residents, HHW drop-off at the Miramar facility is free with an appointment, within per-visit limits. Many take-back programs for paint, batteries and oil are also free.
