Alameda County offers this service for businesses, organizations, and agencies to drop off small amounts of hazardous waste safely and affordably. Businesses cannot use the residential HHW program due to federal and state regulations.

How to Get Started

  1. Obtain an EPA Hazardous Waste Identification Number. EPA ID numbers are free. Apply at the California DTSC website or call (800) 618-6942. Your site must have an active EPA ID before you can open an account.
  2. Apply for an account. Download the Small Business Hazardous Waste Service Forms Packet and complete all required forms. Submit by mail to Alameda County HHW VSQG, 1131 Harbor Bay Parkway, M/S 51701, Alameda, CA 94502-6540; by fax to (510) 293-9374; or by email to hhw@acgov.org.
  3. Schedule an appointment. After receiving your account confirmation, call (800) 606-6606 to book a drop-off. Appointments cannot be made online. Deliveries cannot be made on days when facilities are open for residents.

VSQG Qualification

To qualify as a Very Small Quantity Generator, your business must:

  • Produce less than 220 pounds (about 27 gallons) of hazardous waste per month
  • Produce less than 2.2 pounds of extremely hazardous waste per month (extremely hazardous wastes are laboratory or industrial chemicals unlikely to be found in a residential setting).
  • Have less than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste in storage at any time

Note: Latex paint, aerosol cans, household batteries, and fluorescent lamps are NOT included in the monthly 220-pound delivery and 2,200-pound storage limits.

Who Can Participate

This program accepts waste from:

  • Contractors
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Home businesses
  • Commercial property landlords

Residential landlords — if you manage rental housing, you may qualify for the free Residential Landlord Hazardous Waste Service instead.

Accepted Materials

  • Paint and paint-related materials (stains, varnishes, roofing tar, adhesives, joint compounds, petroleum-based products)
  • Lawn care products (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers)
  • Propane tanks and aerosol cans
  • Automotive products (motor oil, lubricants, oil filters, antifreeze)
  • Batteries
  • Cleaners
  • Fluorescent bulbs
  • Pool chemicals

Not Accepted

  • Electronic waste, appliances, trash, solid waste
  • Compressed gas (except camping/BBQ propane)
  • Sharps, medications, biohazardous waste, medical waste, sewerage
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Explosive or radioactive material
  • Treated wood, asbestos, contaminated soil, demolition debris, lead paint removal waste
  • Unidentified or uncharacterized industrial wastes, unlabeled containers

Pricing & Payment

  • Minimum charge: $25 per delivery
  • Costs are determined at time of delivery based on materials
  • Payment is due upon delivery — no billing
  • Accepted methods: Cash, check, or credit card (Visa/MasterCard only — card must be present)

Checks payable to:

  • Alameda County Treasury (Hayward, Livermore, and Oakland facilities)
  • Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station (Fremont facility)

Waste Pre-Approval

All applicants must complete an Inventory Form (part of the Forms Packet) listing their waste. Additional documentation is required for:

  • Industrial chemicals not listed on the Fee Schedule — include Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Mixtures or manufacturing waste — list all chemical ingredients, concentrations, and describe the process that generated the waste
  • Contaminated materials — list chemical names and concentrations

Transportation Requirements

  • Business owner or employee must transport waste — for-hire haulers cannot deliver waste for another company
  • Use containers that prevent leaks, are securely closed, and in good condition
  • No hazardous residue on the exterior of containers
  • Mark or label all containers clearly
  • Pack and brace waste to prevent movement, breakage, or spills
  • Keep waste accessible for HHW staff (not in passenger area)
  • Stay in vehicle — staff will unload waste
  • The facility retains all containers

Contact

  • Phone: (800) 606-6606
  • Fax: (510) 293-9374
  • Email: hhw@acgov.org
  • Mail: Alameda County HHW VSQG, 1131 Harbor Bay Parkway, M/S 51701, Alameda, CA 94502-6540

Looking for the express option? The Business Drop-in Service accepts latex paint, aerosol cans, fluorescent lamps, and batteries with no appointment or account required.