marker2140 Ruth Avenue, CA marker(530) 541-5105 markerinfo@southtahoerefuse.com
marker(530) 541-5105

material recovery facility

Hazardous Waste Information

The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste (HHW) in the basement, garage and in storage areas. These materials, which include paints, household cleaners, solvents, bleach, gasoline, motor oil, and more, can present immediate and long-term threats to us and the environment. South Tahoe Refuse operates a HHW collection program at our Transfer Center. Residents can drop-off up to 20 gallons at no cost (appointments REQUIRED). See additional details below.

Waste Wizard

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

Hazardous Waste
WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE?
PROPERLY DISPOSING OF NEEDLES AND SHARPS
HAZARDOUS & MEDICAL WASTE PROGRAM

WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes cleaners, paints, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline, and pesticides. HHW may pose a threat to human health or the environment if it is not disposed of properly. HHW poses a threat because it exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:

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. In California it is illegal to disposal of sharps in the trash or recycling containers. In Nevada, it is not illegal to place needles in your trash container. However, isolating them in puncture resistant containers and dropping them off at the South Tahoe Refuse Transfer Station will reduce unnecessary exposure to our local solid waste workers and to workers at the regional landfill as well.

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. California law defines a sharps container as a rigid puncture-resistant container that, when sealed, is leak resistant and cannot be reopened without great difficulty.
  • 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.

hazardous & medical waste program

By Appointment Only! For appointments please
call (530) 542-8368.

Please call 1-2 days ahead as same day drop off is not guaranteed. Walk ins will not be accepted.

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.

Thermostat Recycling

Have an old mercury thermostat? Remove, replace and recycle! Thermostat Recycling Corporation will give STR customers a $30 rebate for each mercury thermostat you recycle through their program.

 

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

For special assistance, call (530) 542-8368

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