Pepper Spray 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. Not Empty? It’s Hazardous Waste Pepper spray presents a risk for sanitation workers and waste facilities. If there’s even a drop of liquid left inside of an aerosol canister, it is still pressurized and can explode, so dispose of it as hazardous waste. Leaking? Seal It in Plastic If your pepper spray is leaking, put it in a plastic container with a tight, secure lid, then dispose of it as hazardous waste. While transporting, keep the pepper spray in a well-ventilated area. Toss Empty Containers in Garbage Once you’ve completely emptied the pepper spray container, you can place it in the garbage. Avoid Contact With Skin or Clothing If pepper spray gets on your clothing, remove it while avoiding touching your face, cutting off your shirt if necessary. Then wash your hands and any other affected areas with soap and cool water. Did You Know? What Is Pepper Spray? How Often Should You Replace Pepper Spray? Always follow manufacturer guidelines when it comes to replacing your pepper spray. If your pepper spray doesn’t have a listed expiration date — as a general rule of thumb — you should replace it every three to four years.
