Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) are items that pose a health or environmental threat when not disposed of properly. It's illegal to put HHW as paint, pesticides, batteries, e-waste (electronic waste), and fluorescent bulbs in the garbage, sink, toilet, or storm drains. Electronic waste (e-waste) is any electronic device that is no longer in use. It is illegal to dispose of electronic wastes in the garbage because they contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. View the Republic Services Comprehensive Recycling Guide for more information.
For more information on acceptable items, visit RecycleMore's HHW Material Database Tool. It is illegal to transfer more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of Hazardous waste per vehicle. Find out about how to safely handle, transport and dispose of Household Hazardous Wastes.
- Residential HHW
- Small Business HHW
- Large Business HHW
- HHW Mobile Collection
- Sharps and Medicines
- Used Motor Oil and Filters
- Drop Box
The West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Richmond is open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The El Cerrito Recycling Center is open on Tuesdays for Household Hazardous Waste disposal. Must bring proof of residency and drop-off items while in an enclosed vehicle.
Free HHW and e-waste pickup services are available for persons of age 60 or older and persons with disabilities through the West Contra Costa County HHW mobile collection program (Informacion sobre la recogida movil). Call 1-888-412-9277 for an appointment and eligibility details.
Expired medications such as pills, syrups, and inhalers, and sharps such as needles, syringes, and lancets can also be disposed of for free at the HHW Facility. Call 1-888-412-9277 to receive a free sharps container in the mail. Visit the Republic Services Residential and Commercial Recycling Guide for drop-off locations and more information.
Free Oil Change Kit
Call Republic Services at (510) 262-7100 for a free oil change kit and to schedule a pick-up. Set out a full oil jug and filter bag in view of or near the curb on your scheduled oil collection day.
Local Companies that Accept Used Motor Oil
View a list of local companies that accept used motor oil for recycling.
Green Waste / Wood / Cardboard / Metal Only Drop Boxes
In addition to the regular garbage and recycling services that Richmond businesses receive, businesses may rent a drop box (10-40 yard with 2-6 ton capacity) from Republic Services. Drop boxes for separated green waste, wood, cardboard, and metal (20-40 yard) are available from Republic Services for a reduced charge. Contact Republic Services at (510) 262-7100 to order a drop box or for more information. View commercial rates for drop boxes.
West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
101 Pittsburg Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed Noon - 12:30 pm)
(888) 412-9277
*Must have proof of residency and drop-off items while in an enclosed vehicle.
El Cerrito Recycling Center
7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Open every Tuesday for HHW Disposal
8:00 am - 5:45 pm
(510) 215-4350
*Must have proof of residency and drop-off items while in an enclosed vehicle.
- Report a missed garbage pickup or request lost/damaged carts?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-7100.
- Request on-call cleanups or bulky item pickups?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-7100.
- Get a food scrap pail?
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Pick up a food scrap pail at City Hall - 450 Civic Center Plaza. Mon-Fri. 9-5. Bring proof of residence in Richmond. Call (510) 620-6512 to learn more.
- Dispose of fluorescent light bulbs, paint, and other hazardous wastes?
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Take items to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 101 Pittsburg Avenue in Richmond. Open Wed-Sat from 9am-4pm. Visit www.RecycleMore.com to learn more, or call 1 (888) 412-9277.
- Start green cart service?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-7100 to start green cart services at your home.
- Get hazardous waste picked up at my home for free if I am a senior?
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Free HHW and e-waste pickup services are available for persons age 60 or older and persons with disabilities through the West Contra Costa County HHW mobile collection program (Informacion sobre la recogida movil). Call 1-888-412-9277 for an appointment and eligibility details.
- Get a free motor oil change kit?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-1655 for a free oil change kit or to schedule a pickup. You may also set out a full oil jug and filter bag in view of or near the curb on your scheduled oil collection day.
- Dispose of household batteries?
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Disposing of batteries in the garbage is illegal. Residents may drop off household batteries at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801. The facility is open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed Noon - 12:30 pm). Please bring proof of residency and drop-off items while in an enclosed vehicle.
Additionally, Richmond residents can dispose of batteries and other household hazardous waste at 7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Open every Tuesday for HHW Disposal
from 8:00 am - 5:45 pm. Please bring proof of residency. Hazardous Waste | Richmond, CA - Official Website