Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is waste generated within a household that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment. It is illegal to dispose of this type of material in the garbage, in storm drains, or on the ground.
Common types of HHW include:
- Paints
- Solvents
- Cleaning products
- Used motor oil and filters
- Anti-freeze and other automotive fluids
- Pool and garden chemicals
- Aerosol cans
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Home-generated sharps such as needles and lancets
Los Angeles County residents can visit the S.A.F.E Collection Centers (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) maintained by the City of Los Angeles for free Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste disposal. Visit the S.A.F.E. Center website for collection center locations and more information. Small businesses can also find information on their page about options for disposal through their Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program.
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts partner with various cities to host frequent one-day collection events. These events are open to all Los Angeles County residents.
Visit their Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Program website for a list of upcoming events.
The City of Pasadena hosts these events every two years. The most recent event was held in February 2026. (Please note, there is no document shredding at these partnered events)
Household Batteries and Light Bulbs
The City of Pasadena has several drop-off locations for household batteries and light bulbs at selected libraries and community centers.
Paint
PaintCare is a nonprofit organization that partners with retailers to accept leftover paint for recycling. Visit the Paintcare website to find a list of local drop-off sites.
Sharps
The City of Pasadena offers FREE 1-quart Sharp Waste recycling containers for residents.
Pasadena Public Health
1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Each container comes with a full set of instructions for proper packaging, as well as a return box for mailing containers. To sign up for the sharps waste program please call Pasadena Public Health at 626-744-6004.
Visit the CleanLA website for current sharps drop-off locations available to LA County residents.
The Pasadena Health Department does not accept sharps waste.
Proper disposal of sharps waste helps the general public and trash collection workers avoid possible exposure to infectious diseases!
Unused Medication
Please do not dispose of unused medication in the trash or down the drain. Instead, bring your medications to a drug take back location.
Used Motor Oil and Filters
Many local automotive retailers offer used motor oil and filter recycling. Our Used Oil Recycling webpage has more information on participating locations.
Residents with City of Pasadena refuse service can have used oil and filters picked up by appointment only. Please call the City Service Center (626-744-7311) at least 24 hours in advance of your regular trash pick-up and indicate the number of containers. On the day of pick-up, place used oil/filter in approved container at the curb by 7am.