What do paint, batteries, cleaning products, motor oil, and bug spray have in common? They all fall under the category of "hazardous materials." Hazardous products are labeled with words such as DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, POISON, TOXIC, FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE, REACTIVE or EXPLOSIVE. Leftover or unused household hazardous products are called household hazardous wastes and cannot be thrown in the trash or poured down the sewer or storm drain.

To educate residents on the safe use and disposal of hazardous wastes, the Department has a Household Hazardous Materials Program. The staff conducts more than 200 presentations annually to educate the public.

Hard copies of these brochures or additional information about hazardous waste disposal options in Spanish and English can be found by calling Environmental Services at 858-694-7000.

• Become a Smart Home Environmentalist (PDF)
• Take a Cleaner Housecleaning Approach (PDF)
• Use Safe Weapons in the War on Garden Pests (PDF)
• Drive Safely for you and the Environment (PDF)
• Get the Bugs Out -- The Low-Risk Way (PDF)
• Paint a Safe Environmental Picture (PDF)
• Take the Plunge for Pool Chemical Safety (PDF)
• Create a Masterpiece of Arts and Crafts Safety (PDF)