Pesticides

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.

storm drain

Never Pour Down the Drain

Pesticides should never be poured down the drain because they contain toxic chemicals that will contaminate waterways. Instead, dispose of them as hazardous waste.

NO-sprinkler

Don't Water the Grass After

Absolutely do not water the grass after applying garden chemicals. This runoff ends up in storm drains that feed directly into nearby lakes and rivers. It also reduces the effectiveness of your pesticides.

NO-rain

Don't Use if It's Going to Rain

Avoid using chemicals before a storm. If you do, they will wash down storm drains and into nearby waterways when it rains.

latex-gloves

Wear PPE

Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides.

NO-water

Ready-to-Use Containers

Empty containers that held ready-to-use chemicals can be thrown in the garbage without rinsing them out.

Ways to Reduce

Use Up Completely

The best way to dispose of pesticides is to use them up completely, which reduces how much can leach into the environment. If you’re not going to use them up completely, try giving them away to a friend or neighbor.

NO-concentrate

Avoid Purchasing Concentrate

Consider purchasing ready-to-use products. Purchasing concentrations to dilute on your own can expose the body to harmful chemicals. Also the use of under-diluted chemicals is more damaging to the air, water and soil.

Use Bait Stations or Insecticidal Soaps

Identify your pest problem and use the least toxic option to eliminate those pests (if you must use garden chemicals). Consider using bait stations or insecticidal soaps and oils. Find out more.

Did You Know?