Electronics are hazardous as they can contain lead and other metals that are dangerous, plus they have many components that can be recycled.  Some items, like microwave ovens and thermometers, contain mercury.  Medical sharps (needles) used in home health care are also banned from regular trash.

You must dispose of hazardous waste in one of the following ways:

Dispose of household hazardous waste and electronics safely by bringing them to a free, household hazardous waste and electronics roundup or permanent drop-off facility.

FREE PERMANENT DROP-OFF FACILITY

S.A.F.E. COLLECTION CENTER

1400 NORTH GAFFEY ST

SAN PEDRO, CA  90021

OPEN FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. EXCEPT HOLIDAYS AND RAINY DAYS.  THERE IS A LIMIT OF SIX (6) ELECTRONIC ITEMS PER VISIT.  CLICK HERE FOR .PDF FLYER AND MAP

Free, one-day, periodic roundups are provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Nearly every weekend, there is a roundup somewhere in L.A. County that provides a safe and convenient way to dispose of household hazardous waste.  

Upcoming events in the City of Torrance area are:       

Saturday, September 27, 2008, CITY OF CARSON, Joint Pollution Control Plant, 24501 S. Figueroa St. between Sepulveda Blvd. and Lomita Blvd.

Saturday, November 8, 2008, CITY OF BELLFLOWER, Simms Park, Clark Ave. and Oak St. between Alondra Blvd. and Artesia (91) Frwy.

Saturday, November 15, 2008, CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, Raytheon Company, Hughes Way off of Sepulveda Blvd. between Rosecrans Ave. and El Segundo Blvd.

Saturday, December 13, 2008, CITY OF LOMITA, City Hall Parking Lot, 24300 Narbonne Ave. between Sepulveda Blvd. and Lomita Blvd.

ROUNDUPS ARE ON SATURDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

For more information and a schedule of roundups with location maps, please call 1-888-CLEANLA or click here for the Sanitation District's website

To drop off hazardous materials, just load your materials in a sturdy box in the trunk of your car and drive through the drop-off area.  The materials will be taken from your car quickly and safely - it's that easy!

REMEMBER:
Limit of 15 gallons or 125 lbs. per vehicle
Do not mix materials, keep in original containers with original labels
Put in sturdy box in trunk of car
No explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials will be accepted

It is illegal to throw medical sharps in the trash or recycling.  Click here for more information.