Solvents 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 Dump Down the Drain Keep waterways clean by not dumping solvents down the drain. Solvents can threaten human health and poison aquatic life by leaching into lakes and rivers. Keep Away From Heat Most solvents are flammable or highly flammable. Keep them in a cool place away from heat. Handle With Care Solvents are harsh chemicals that can cause bodily harm. When using solvents, avoid breathing in vapors, skin contact, eye contact or ingestion. Ways to Reduce Avoid Known Carcinogens Avoid solvents that contain benzene, carbon tetrachloride or trichloroethylene. Did You Know? What Are Solvents, Anyway? Solvents are substances that can be used to dissolve other compounds. Major uses for solvents include paints, paint removers, nail polish, nail polish removers, inks, spot cleaners, detergents, dry cleaning and perfumes.
