The City of San Diego is making it easier for San Diego residents to properly dispose of their hazardous waste with expanded hours at the Miramar Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility. Previously open just one day per week, the facility is now open both Saturdays and Wednesdays and takes items for free; appointments are required.

Batteries and other household hazardous waste should never go in any trash or recycling bin because of their potential to spark a fire. Proper disposal of items such as batteries, paint and motor oil is essential for the health and safety of our community. Any leftover or unused products labeled with the words caution, warning, danger, poison, toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive are considered household hazardous waste and must be taken to a dedicated, local collection facility or official collection event.

Appointments can be made online at sandiego.gov/HHW. The Transfer Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and drop-off is free.

The drop-off process involves just three easy steps:

1. Review the City’s website at sandiego.gov/HHW to see what is accepted.

2. Schedule an appointment.

3. Follow instructions upon arrival at the Transfer Facility, where you remain in your vehicle while staff unload your items. The City takes care of the rest, and drop-off is free of charge.

“We are pleased to offer this extra day of drop-off for San Diego residents who need to safely dispose of household hazardous waste,” said James Chen, Hazardous Materials Program Manager for the City’s Environmental Services Department (ESD). “The City’s Transfer Facility is central, convenient and staffed by professionals trained in handling hazardous materials. By safely and properly disposing of hazardous waste, the public is helping the City reach Zero Waste and Climate Action Plan goals, and most importantly, keeping San Diego safe and clean.”

What’s accepted: paints; motor oil and oil filters; household batteries; pesticides; lightbulbs and lamps; needles, lancets and sharps; prescription and over-the-counter medications (no prescription painkillers); propane gas cylinders; fire extinguishers; pool and garden chemicals; antifreeze; aerosols; and household cleaners.

What’s NOT accepted: swollen or reactive batteries; business waste; treated wood; prescription painkillers; appliances; asbestos waste; containers larger than five gallons; compressed gas cylinders (other than propane cylinders and fire extinguishers); electronics; explosives (ammunition, fireworks, marine flares); and radioactive material.

For help with what’s not accepted, or for people living outside the city of San Diego, visit WasteFreeSD.org for other drop-off options.