Alameda County residents can drop off household hazardous waste for free at any of four facilities — no appointment needed. The service is fast, safe, and funded by a modest annual fee of $7.80 per household.
How It Works
- Pack it up. Place hazardous items in sturdy, sealed containers. Keep chemicals separate — don't mix different products. Each container should be 5 gallons or 50 pounds max. The maximum quantity accepted is 15 gallons total or 125 lbs.
- Drive to any facility. Choose whichever location is most convenient. Bring a valid ID showing your Alameda County address (driver's license, utility bill, or lease agreement). No appointment needed.
- Stay in your car. Pull up, pop your trunk or open your cargo area, and let our staff do the rest. You stay in your vehicle — that's state law — and we handle the unloading.
That's it. In and out.
Four Facilities Across the County
| Facility | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 2100 East 7th Street | Wed–Fri: 9 AM–2:30 PM Sat: 9 AM–4 PM |
| Hayward | 2091 West Winton Ave. | Thu–Fri: 9 AM–2:30 PM Sat: 9 AM–4 PM |
| Livermore | 5584 La Ribera St. | Thu–Fri: 9 AM–2:30 PM Sat: 9 AM–4 PM |
| Fremont | 41149 Boyce Road | Wed–Fri: 8:30 AM–2:30 PM Sat: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
All facilities are closed Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays.
What You Can Bring
Facilities accept a wide range of household hazardous materials, including:
- Batteries — household, rechargeable, lithium, car
- Paint & coatings — latex, oil-based, stains, varnishes, thinners
- Electronics — computers, monitors, TVs, phones, and microwaves
- Automotive products — motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline
- Garden & pest chemicals — pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, pool chemicals
- Household cleaners — drain cleaners, oven cleaners, ammonia, bleach
- Fluorescent lighting — CFLs, tubes, mercury bulbs
- Propane tanks — 5 gallons or smaller
- Sharps — needles, syringes, lancets (in puncture-proof containers)
- Aerosol cans — spray paint, household sprays
- Marine flares, fireworks, ammunition — accepted only at Oakland, Livermore, and Hayward Facilities
- HHW facilities cannot accept medications, large appliances, construction materials, explosives, radioactive materials, large compressed gas cylinders, or business waste.
Alternative Options
Several common items have convenient alternatives closer to home:
- Batteries — Many cities accept household batteries curbside in a clear bag on top of your recycling cart. Retailers and Call2Recycle locations also accept them. Batteries fact sheet
- Motor oil — CalRecycle certified collection centers and many auto parts stores accept used motor oil and filters for free. Some cities offer curbside pickup. Motor oil fact sheet
- Medications — Over 80 pharmacy locations across Alameda County have self-service drug disposal kiosks. Medicine fact sheet
Businesses and Multifamily Properties
- Businesses: Alameda County offers hazardous waste disposal for qualifying small businesses, including an express drop-in service. Business hazardous waste
- Residential landlords: A separate free program is available for rental property owners. Landlord hazardous waste.
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LOCAL EVENTS
One-Day Drop-off Events
Can't make it to a facility during the week? Free one-day drop-off events are held throughout the county — approximately 12 per year at rotating locations. Events also accept medications and controlled substances, which permanent facilities cannot.