Every week on trash day, people throw out recyclables, organic waste and regular trash via the telltale blue, green and black bins. But many everyday items – like batteries, cleaning products, light bulbs or cell phones – should be taken to hazardous waste disposal sites to limit possible harm to human health and the environment if thrown away with normal trash.
These items, known as household hazardous waste (HHW), contain potentially dangerous materials, like flammable liquids or corrosive substances. Other common HHWs include paint, pesticides, medications, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, fire extinguishers, motor oil, small propane tanks and treated or contaminated wood (under three feet in length).
Home-generated “sharps” – any items used to puncture the skin, including syringes or Epi-pens – are also HHWs. Sharps must be disposed of via hard plastic, puncture-proof containers that have lids. Other HHWs can be packed in a cardboard box or using plastic bins.
All HHWs can be taken to S.A.F.E. (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) Centers run by Los Angeles Sanitation (LASAN) across LA County.
Locations in the San Fernando Valley include the Nicole Bernson S.A.F.E. Center at 10241 N. Balboa Blvd. in Northridge, and Randall Street S.A.F.E. Center at 11025 Randall St. in Sun Valley. Both locations are open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
For more information about HHWs, including acceptable and unacceptable items, and for the full list of locations and schedules of S.A.F.E. Centers in LA County, go to www.lacitysan.org/safecenters or call 1-800-773-2489 or 1-800-238-0173.