Hazardous waste can’t be thrown out with the trash, recycling or organics. Before you toss it, check the label. If it’s marked Danger, Warning, Poisonous, or Flammable, it’s probably toxic.
For no additional charge, Mission Trail offers curbside pickup for household batteries, cell phones & PDAs, used motor oil & filters, cooking oil, and water-based (latex) paint. Please review the handling instructions below:
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Residents may also take toxic items to Santa Clara County’s free household hazardous waste collection facility. Visit www.hhw.org or call 408-299-7300 for information. The County accepts paint, polishes, thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, poisons, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane, helium, small pressurized tanks (propane, helium, oxygen), smoke detectors, prescription & over-the-counter drugs, sharps (in appropriate container), and more.
How do I dispose of e-waste?
Computers, printers, televisions, fax machines, VCRs, stereo components, video game players, and other forms of e-waste contain hazardous substances and require special handling. Through Mission Trail’s Cleanup/Bulky Item Collection Program, Los Altos residents can have one e-waste item collected for no charge every six months. Alternatively, residents can deliver e-waste to any number of free collection sites. For a list of sites, visit www.hhw.org, www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Electronics/, and www.recyclestuff.org.
Where can I take unwanted/expired medications?
Medications are considered hazardous and cannot safely or legally be placed in any Mission Trail cart. Medications can be taken to one of the free County Household Hazardous Waste drop-offs. For details, please call 1-408-299-7300 or visit www.hhw.org. Some pharmacies and hospitals will also take medications back, please call first to confirm.