Hazardous Materials

Click one of the following links to make an appointment to drop off hazardous waste at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Newbury Park.

Your home can become a hazardous materials (hazmat) site. Hazardous materials aren’t restricted to the highway, local refinery, or manufacturing firms. Motor oil, paint, pool chemicals and other common household products could make your home a potential site for a mini-hazmat incident, particularly during an earthquake. Strong ground shaking could topple and break bottles and cans containing hazardous materials.

Hazardous Household Products

Hazardous products and substances are classified into four categories based on the property or properties they exhibit. Corrosive substances or vapors deteriorate or irreversibly damage body tissues that they come in contact with and erode the surface of other materials. Flammable substances are capable of burning in the air at any temperature. Toxic substances may poison, injure, or be lethal when they are eaten, absorbed through the mouth and stomach, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled into the lungs. Reactive substances can produce toxic vapors or explode when they react with air, water, or other substances.

CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES TOXIC SUBSTANCES REACTIVE SUBSTANCES
·       Abrasive cleaners, scouring powders*·       Ammonia bleach-based cleaners*

·       Car batteries

·       Chlorine bleach

·       Disinfectant & oven cleaners*

·       Glass & window cleaners*

·       Photographic & pool chemicals*

·       Rug & upholstery cleaners**

·       Toilet bowl cleaners**

 ·       Air fresheners·       Coin, floor, furniture, or shoe polish*

·       Enamel or oil-based paints*

·       Engine cleaners & de-greasers*

·       Furniture & paint strippers*

·       Gasoline & diesel fuel*

·       Hair spray, deodorant spray

·       Kerosene*

·       Motor oil & transmission fluid*

·       Paints & primers**

·       Rug & upholstery cleaners*

·       Rust paints*

·       Solvent-based glues*

·       Solvents for cleaning firearms*

·       Spot removers*

·       Stains & varnishes**

·       Wood preservatives

 ·       Antifreeze·      Artist & model paint

·       Batteries

·       Car wax containing solvents

·      Chemical fertilizers

·       Drugs, medicines, pharmaceuticals

·       Fungicides, herbicides, weed killers, insecticides

·       Latex, oil, or water-based paints

·       Mothballs

·       Nail polish & nail polish remover

·       Pet products, flea collars, flea sprays

·       Rat, mouse, snail & slug poisons

·       Roach & ant killers

 ·       Avoid mixing chemical products or cleaners·      Mixing can cause toxic or poisonous reactions

*Chemical also contains toxic properties.
** Chemical also contains flammable and toxic properties

Alternative Cleaning Products

Several non-hazardous materials are available for use in cleaning carpets, dishes, upholstery, windows, and other items, deodorizing sinks, as well as removing rust and stains. They include ammonia, baking soda, cornstarch, lemon juice, soap and water, steel wool and vinegar. For additional information, please visit USEPA Environmental Preferable Purchasing.

Buying Household Products

  • Read directions and health warnings
  • Look for the least hazardous product
  • Purchase child-resistant substances
  • Use multipurpose cleaners
  • Buy only what you need

Storing Household Products

  • Use original containers for storage
  • Regularly check containers for wear and tear
  • Use larger, clearly marked containers to store leaking packages
  • Store materials in a cool, dry place
  • Separate incompatible products

Using Household Products

  • Limit the amount of materials stored
  • Isolate the products in enclosed cabinets and keep containers tightly covered
  • Eliminate unused or unneeded supplies
  • Separate incompatible materials
  • Note and post the number of the local poison control center near the phone
  • Read and follow directions carefully
  • Use only the amount indicated
  • Avoid mixing chemical products or cleaners
  • Avoid splashing
  • Wear protective clothing, gloves, a dust mask, and safety glasses
  • Work in well-ventilated areas
  • Take frequent breaks for fresh air
  • Keep away from children, expectant mothers and pets

Disposing of Household Products

For more information on recycling or disposing of unwanted household hazardous products, visit our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)  web page, where you can make an appointment to drop off your HHW. Otherwise you may call (805) 376-5007.