Inhalers Alternative ways to recycle Illegal in Garbage & Drains Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off is available twice a month by appointment only on Saturdays for household hazardous waste and/or universal waste. Acceptable items include over-the-counter and prescription medications, fluorescent light tubes, motor oil and used motor oil, antifreeze, paint, chemicals (pool and others), household cleaners, and pesticides. The majority of medications are accepted as household hazardous waste excluding controlled substances. Some items can be dropped off at the HHW Facility without an appointment and during hours of operation. These items include: sharps waste (syringes or lancets) properly packaged for safe disposal, (used) motor oil, filters and antifreeze. Proof of residency is required. To make an appointment to drop off your household hazardous waste on the next available Saturday at the Waste Management HHW Facility at 2880 Industry Street, please call Waste Management’s Customer Service line at (760) 439-2824. HHW must be dropped off by appointment – click for more info. Never Throw in the Garbage Older inhalers contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs can damage the ozone layer, so never throw them in the garbage. Follow the disposal instructions on the inhaler’s label and dispose of them as hazardous waste. Never Puncture or Burn Do not puncture the container or throw it into the fire because an inhaler is an aerosol product and could explode. Alternative Ways to Recycle Return Used Cartridges to the Pharmacy Some pharmacies and law enforcement offices are registered with the DEA as authorized drug collectors. You can drop off used inhaler cartridges at these locations. Find a DEA-authorized disposal location.
