marker2140 Ruth Avenue, CA marker(530) 541-5105 marker[email protected]
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marker2140 Ruth Avenue, CA
marker[email protected]
marker(530) 541-5105

en English
en Englishes Spanish

materials recovery facility

Hazardous Waste Information

South Tahoe Refuse operates a HHW collection program at our Transfer Station.

After making an appointment, residents can drop-off up to 20 gallons at no cost. HHW includes items such as paint, household cleaners, solvents, bleach, gasoline, motor oil, and more. HHW can present immediate and long-term threats to us and the environment and must be handled properly.
Our Hazardous Waste Facility is staffed Tuesday – Saturday 9am-4pm. 
Appointments are required for drop off. Call (530) 542-8368 to schedule.
Please call 1-2 days ahead as same day drop off is not guaranteed.
Hazardous Waste
WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE?
PROPERLY DISPOSING OF NEEDLES AND SHARPS
HAZARDOUS & MEDICAL WASTE PROGRAM
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hazardous & medical waste program

No Charge For:

  • Hazardous Waste – Up to 20 gals per day, based on container size 5 gal or smaller containers, sealed with lids; label, if known No 55-gallon drums
  • Electronic Waste
  • Residential Medical Needles- Must be containerized in a PUNCTURE RESISTANT CONTAINER with a sealed lid marked prominently with an “X” with a red marking pen.

Charges may apply for fluorescent blubs, TVs/monitors, propane/Freon containers, and volumes over the daily limit.

Please do not leave waste unattended​!
Wait for assistance at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Building.

For special assistance, call (530) 542-8368

WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE?

Toxic

  • Pesticides
  • Expired medicines
  • Solvents
  • Paint strippers

Catches fire easily

  • Gasoline
  • Paints
  • Solvents

Is Reactive or Unstable Enough to Explode or Release Toxic Fumes

  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine Bleach

Is Capable of Corroding Metal Containers (Such as Tanks, Drums and Barrels)

  • Industrial Cleaning Agents
  • Oven Cleaners
  • Drain Cleaners

Universal Waste is a Form of Hazardous Waste but Not as Volatile

  • TV’s and Computer Monitors
  • Fluorescent Bulbs and Lamps
  • Mercury-Containing Items: Thermostats, Switches and Relays
  • Electronic Waste: Computers, Stereos, Radios, Telephones, Microwaves and Cell Phones
  • Any Item Containing Metals Like Copper, Lead, Cadmium or Chromium
  • Batteries (All types)
  • Transformers and Ballast – PCB’s

Home-Generated Medical Waste

  • Needles
  • Lancets
  • Syringes
  • Other “Sharps”

properly disposing of needles and sharps

Every year, Americans use over one billion sharp objects in their homes to administer health care. These “sharps” include lancets, needles and syringes. 

You can help prevent injury and protect our environment by following a few simple steps:

• When purchasing needles from your local pharmacy, either:

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Purchase mail-in needle storage containers, or
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Purchase approved red plastic medical waste containers to store needles.
  • If you cannot purchase storage containers, place and store used needles in a sturdy plastic container, such as a gallon orange juice container. Place a red bio-hazard sticker on it or mark Xs on it with a red marking pen. 
  • Do not break the needles off. They become less visible and are still an exposure risk if the container breaks
    open. Recap the needles before placing them in the storage container.
  • Keep containers with sharp objects out of the reach of young children.
  • When your container is 3/4 full, close it securely, using either the locking lid or duct tape. Forcing needles into a full container can cause injury.
  • To dispose of the container:
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Use your mail away program or
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Bring your containerized needles to the South Tahoe Refuse Transfer Station on Monday through
Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will handle them separately and safely, or
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If you are unable to come by the Transfer Station, please call the main office at (530) 541-5105.

safety alert! disposal of lithium batteries

The use of lithium batteries in everyday products has increased dramatically in the last few years. These batteries are highly volatile – they can explode and cause fires easily, especially if they’re damaged or mishandled. DO NOT dispose of them in your regular trash. Bring them to our facility and we’ll take care of them safely. Common items containing lithium batteries:

  • Cell phones & tablets
  • Laptops
  • Electric bikes & scooters
  • Hoverboards & one-wheels
  • E-cigarettes/vape pens
  • Battery-powered tools

Waste Wizard

Type the name of a waste item and we will tell you if it is classified as hazardous waste.

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