Guide to disposing of hazardous waste in South Bay

When it's time to bid adieu to many of the items around your house that are no longer needed, it's important to know what is considered hazardous waste and can't simply be tossed in the garbage.

You might be surprised at what typical items are considered hazardous waste that you use regularly around the house, yard and garage. Not only is it illegal to discard these items improperly, but our communities and the environment are in danger when products are simply disposed of in the garbage, sink or storm drain. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Household Hazardous Waste is any product labeled toxic, poison, combustible, corrosive, flammable or irritant.

Below are the three general categories of waste, with links to more thorough lists from the Los Angeles DPW:

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):
Lawn and garden products, paint and related products, beauty products and medicines, household cleaners, automotive fluids.

Electronic Waste (e-waste):
Computer, monitors, printers, network equipment, cables, telephones, cell phones, video game equipment.

Universal Waste (u-waste):
Household batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, electronic devices, and mercury thermostats.

If you're unsure what to do, the South Bay communities have two permanent drop-off locations nearby, the Hyperion Treatment Plant S.A.F.E. Collection Center and the Harbor Area S.A.F.E. Collection Center. The DPW also has a calendar of free waste collection events.

The county also has free permanent drop-off centers for used motor oil, and Redondo Beach has several certified collection centers.  

For more information, call 1(888) CLEAN LA
the Redondo Beach Recycling Hotline (310- 318-0613)
the Manhattan Beach Fire Department
Fire Prevention (310-802-5200) or visit http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/cleanla/