HAZARDOUS WASTE

Recycling Hazardous Waste

(NO PETS ALLOWED AT THESE EVENTS)

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Contact

Telephone: (805) 658-4321

Fax: (805) 658-4324

General Questions: VCRecycles@ventura.org

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays

Location: 800 South Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009

The County of Ventura holds approximately nine monthly events, during the year, for the collection of hazardous waste on an appointment basis at the Pollution Prevention Center.  Most jurisdictions offer monthly HHW collection events by appointment and some have an online appointment system for added convenience. These collection events are free for residents.  Check the “residents who may attend” column by clicking the Hazardous Waste Information Icon to determine which HHW facility serves you.

  • The County of Ventura’s Integrated Waste Management Division developed the Clean Up! brochure which covers recycling a myriad of products and materials countywide.  For an English version click here.  Para la version en Español oprime aqui.
  • The Del Norte and Gold Coast material recovery facilities accept limited types of recyclable hazardous waste, such as latex paint, motor oil, antifreeze, batteries, electronic waste and fluorescent lights. Both facilities are typically open 6 days per week and no appointment is needed; however, proof of city residency is required. Please contact these facilities directly for additional information.
  • Fully permitted HHW facilities can accept a broad range of hazardous waste, such as paints/stains, thinners/solvents, kitchen/bath cleaners, lawn/garden products, photographic chemicals, used motor oil/antifreeze, automotive/household batteries, fluorescent light tubes, products containing mercury, gasoline/fuel oils, pool chemicals and more.  Additionally, most HHW facilities accept electronic waste (e-waste).
  • Smoke detectors are not accepted at most HHW Facilities.  For information on proper disposal of smoke detectors click here.
  • Most HHW facilities accept expired or unwanted medications; however, medications containing controlled substances are not accepted pursuant to state and federal regulation. Most Ventura County Sheriff stations have pharmaceutical drop-boxes in the station lobby for residents to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medication, including those containing controlled substances.  Also, check out this link which can assist you with prescription medication disposals: prescription-medication-disposal.
  • Medical sharps (needles) are not accepted at the County’s Pollution Prevention Center.  For information on sharps disposal, click here.
  • You do not have to wait for one of the monthly HHW events to recycle used motor oil and filters as these can be recycled at over 80 Certified Used Oil Collection Centers in Ventura County. Certified Centers do not require appointments and are more convenient than the monthly Hazardous Waste Collection Events. Additionally, Certified Centers are required by the state to pay $0.40 per gallon for used oil upon your request.
  • Since 2012, Ventura County has participated in the California Paint Product Stewardship Program, which provides several locations to drop off unwanted paint free of charge. Use their Drop-Off Site Locator to find a retailer near you. Dropped off paint is sent to Acrylatex, one of the largest paint recyclers in the nation, and reused as Tag Out paint for graffiti abatement projects. Contact Montage Paint online or at (626) 812-0191 to learn more.
  • All programs are free to residents however, use of the used oil collection centers, retail paint drop-off centers and other recycling facilities is highly encouraged to help reduce HHW facility operating costs for cities and the County.
  • Several HHW collection programs also offer FREE reusable products, such as household cleaners, paints and stains, and other common household items which can be reused instead of added to the waste stream.
  • Some HHW facilities offer low cost disposal programs for businesses that qualify as Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs). The cities of Oxnard and Ventura even subsidize a portion of waste disposal costs for their businesses. Call the appointment line number for details. Businesses in Ojai, Fillmore, Santa Paula, or the Unincorporated Areas should contact Stericycle Environmental Solutions directly at 800/714-1195. Click here for detailed CESQG Program information.