Household Hazardous Waste
Visit the RE:Source guide at StopWaste.org for nearby safe disposal options.
Many household products, such as batteries or paint, are hazardous to human or environmental health and must be disposed of through specific facilities, not in the trash or down the drain.
You can dispose of most types of household hazardous waste and universal waste at one of Alameda County’s free drop-off facilities.
Common types of household hazard waste include:
- Paint, stain, varnish, thinner, and adhesives
- Auto products such as old fuel, motor oil (see recycling options below), oil filters, and batteries
- Household batteries, fluorescent lamps, cleaners, and sprays
- Garden products, including pesticides and fertilizers
- Electronic waste such as computers and televisions
- Medical waste, including medications, syringes, mercury-containing thermometers
- Construction waste, such as asbestos, lead paint, or treated wood
You should never dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, sink or drain, or by leaving it out around your home or on the street.
Used Oil Recycling
Berkeley residents can recycle used motor oil or hydraulic fluid at the City of Berkeley Transfer Station and get paid a small fee per gallon for up to 20 gallons.
Used motor oil is an extremely hazardous waste that should never be dumped in garbage, into the ground, or into storm drains. A tiny amount of used motor oil, such as a quarter-gallon, can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water to become unsafe for consumption.
The Transfer Station will pay 16¢ per gallon for up to 20 gallons of used motor oil and hydraulic fluid per customer. Both used motor oil and hydraulic fluid must be brought in containers small than 5 gallons each. Brake fluids, solvents, and antifreeze are not accepted and should be brought to a Hazardous Waste facility.
After draining motor oil or hydraulic fluid from your car, follow these steps to ensure the tools used are cleaned and disposed properly.
- Drain pans: Drain out the oil thoroughly, then recycle
- Empty oil containers: Drip dry overnight, replace the cap and recycle
- Oily gloves or rags: Take to a Household Hazardous Waste facility
- Brake fluids, solvents or antifreeze: Take to a Household Hazardous Waste facility
Used motor oil is accepted in other locations near Berkeley. Use the CalRecycle search tool to search by city, county, or ZIP code.
Berkeley Marina accepts used motor oil for its boaters
Boaters who change their motor oil at the Berkeley Marina have the choice of recycling it directly at the Berkeley Marina or transporting it to the Transfer Station.
Berkeley Marina staff will accept used boat motor oil, along with oil filters, and oil absorbent pads.
