Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event

The Sustainability & Resilience Department’s Clean Community Division and MarBorg Industries are hosting a FREE Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event on Saturday, November 16, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Santa Barbara City College’s Lot 2-C (La Playa Stadium Parking Lot – enter from Loma Alta Drive).

Please Note: This event is open to City of Santa Barbara residents only, and no business waste will be accepted.

Examples of Accepted Materials
Antifreeze, batteries, used motor oil/filters, paint, fluorescent lightbulbs, cleaning supplies, garden chemicals, and other household hazardous waste.

Instructions for Transporting Hazardous Waste to the Event
While transporting HHW in your vehicle it is important to take precautions. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe and your car clean:

1. Consolidate materials in a cardboard box or plastic bin no larger than 5 gallons. (5-gallon buckets from hardware stores are a convenient option). The box/bin should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the individual containers. If using a box, tape along the seam on the bottom for added support.
2. Place a clear plastic liner inside the box or container. If using a box, fold the flaps inward then place the bag inside. Make sure to keep the bag open so staff can see the contents.
3. Place items upright and use newspaper to cushion items and keep them from falling over.
4. Don’t stack items.
5. Ensure containers are sturdy and have lids or tops securely fastened. Never transport an open container.
6. Original containers with labeling are recommended – label contents yourself if the label is unclear. This is helpful for staff to identify material in a container.
7. Seal any leaking containers in a sealable bag or in a larger non-leaking container.
8. Lamps and thermometers (items commonly containing mercury) should be carefully packaged to prevent breakage during the drive.
9. Keep batteries and heavy items separate from fragile items to avoid breakage.
10. Transport compact fluorescent (CFL) tubes in the box they came in or wrap a rubber band around them to prevent rolling and breaking. Do not use duct tape because it can shatter the bulbs.
11. Never mix materials in a single container!
12. Store materials in the trunk or rear storage area of your vehicle.
13. Remain in your vehicle during the unloading process at the HHW event.

To learn more about HHW Collection Events, please visit MarBorg.com.