S.A.F.E. Centers and Household Hazardous Waste

Staff in PPE sort materials in three open loading bays with blue industrial drums and equipment carts.

What to know

Household hazardous waste (HHW) includes leftover or unused products with hazardous ingredients. Look for label words such as “Danger,” “Warning,” “Caution,” “Poison,” “Flammable,” “Toxic,” or “Corrosive.”
Never place HHW in regular trash or pour it down drains. Transport materials to a S.A.F.E. Center in sturdy, leak-proof, labeled containers secured in the trunk or cargo area.
City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents can dispose of HHW at S.A.F.E. Centers or other collection programs at no charge.
Rechargeable devices may contain batteries that can spark when compacted and should be properly recycled.
For accepted materials, see the related documents below or search the Sort LA app. Eligible businesses can make an appointment to safely dispose of their HHW or E-Waste

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous waste (HHW) includes leftover or unwanted household products that contain hazardous ingredients and require special disposal. They should not be thrown in the black or blue bin. These everyday products are often found under the kitchen sink or in the garage.

This includes items such as:

Aerosol cans
Automotive fluids and products
Cleaners and solvents
Electronic waste
Household batteries
Paint and paint thinner
Pool Chemicals
Sharps and medications

Why Proper Disposal Matters

Proper disposal of household hazardous waste matters because these materials can be toxic, corrosive, ignitable, flammable, or reactive. Keeping HHW out of black and blue bins helps prevent fires and chemical reactions, protects collection workers, and keeps harmful pollutants out of landfills, soil, groundwater, local waterways, beaches, and wildlife habitats.

How HHW is Managed

LASAN provides free HHW disposal through permanent S.A.F.E. Centers, open every weekend, and through periodic Mobile Collection Events that provide more convenient disposal options for residents throughout the City. Mobile events are typically held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no appointment required; visit the Events page to find one near you.

Collected materials are sorted, packaged, and sent to authorized facilities for recycling, treatment, or disposal in accordance with environmental regulations. Whenever possible, materials are recovered—for example, used oil is re-refined, electronics are processed for valuable metals, and rechargeable batteries are recycled.

Environmental Impact

Every properly disposed container of paint, battery, or gallon of used oil helps protect Los Angeles communities and the environment.

Through responsible hazardous waste management, SAFE Centers and other collection programs help reduce pollution, conserve resources, and support a safer and more sustainable future for residents and local ecosystems.