Pool & Hot Tub Chemicals 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. Store Properly to Keep Dry If water comes into contact with pool chemicals, the runoff can contaminate drinking water sources. Store them off the ground and away from windows, doors or any other points of water entry to keep chemicals dry. Don't Store With Flammable Material Pool chemicals create toxic fumes, which make it easier for flammable substances to explode or ignite. Do not store with flammable or incompatible substances, such as gasoline, oil, grease and alcohol. Find out more. Keep in a Cool Place Store pool chemicals below 95°F/35°C and in conditions recommended by the manufacturer in order to prevent them from producing toxic fumes. Use Up Completely Pool chemicals should be used up until containers are completely empty. This way less of these harsh chemicals will be purchased and have the chance to leach into the environment. Ways to Reduce Natural Alternatives to Chlorine There are several chlorine alternatives as well as ways to reduce how much chlorine is needed to keep a pool clean. The Olympic Games use ECOsmarte in their pools because it is a non-chemical, eco-friendly pool cleaner.
