Household hazardous waste (HHW) includes a variety of materials that are typically ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic and have labels reading "caution," "warning," "danger," "poison," "toxic," "flammable," or "corrosive." HHW includes items such as solvents, paint, household cleaners, pool chemicals, automotive products and pesticides. These wastes must be properly disposed of and cannot be thrown away in household trash or poured down the drain. If they are poured down the sink or toilet, they will eventually make their way to one of the District’s wastewater treatment plants, where they can upset the treatment plant process. This can hinder our ability to recycle water for irrigation and can even pollute the ocean. These substances can also injure field staff that work on the sewer lines or the wastewater operators at the treatment plants.

To remedy this problem, the County of San Diego has established drop off sites where these substances can be taken free of charge. Residents living within the City of San Marcos, Carlsbad, Vista or Escondido may dispose of household hazardous waste with proof of City residency at the following Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facilities. Please contact the site for information on days and hours of operation:

Vista HHW Collection Facility
1145 E. Taylor Street
(800) 714-1195

Poway HHW Collection Facility
12325 Crosthwaite Circle
(800) 714-1195

For residents of Lake San Marcos and unincorporated areas of the County, please call (877) 713-2784 for current disposal information.