Electronic / Universal Waste
Electronic waste may NOT be disposed of in the trash!
As of February, 2006, the State of California prohibits the disposing of electronic waste, fluorescent tubes, consumer batteries and mercury thermostats into the trash. Known as "Universal Waste", if disposed of improperly can cause serious threats humans, wildlife and the environment.
As of February, 2006, the State of California prohibits the disposing of electronic waste, fluorescent tubes, consumer batteries and mercury thermostats into the trash. Known as "Universal Waste", if disposed of improperly can cause serious threats humans, wildlife and the environment.
Examples of prohibited wastes:
Electronic Waste - Computers, computer peripherals, telephones, answering machines, radios, stereo equipment, tape players/recorders, phonographs, VCRs, CD players/recorders, calculators, and microwave ovens.
Mercury Containing Waste - Fluorescent tubes, high-intensity lights, sodium vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, and mercury thermostats and switches. Consumer Batteries - Including carbon-zinc and alkaline, rechargeable, NiCad, lithium, and mercury button batteries. This includes AA, AAA, C, and D batteries. Important Note: Electronics are not the only common household materials that cannot be disposed of in the trash! Paint, cleaners and poisons are several examples of Household Hazardous Waste. For more information, please visit our Household Hazardous Waste page. |
Where to recycle/dispose of electronic and universal waste
Electronic waste is accepted by Goodwill, located at the John Smith Road Landfill.
Both the landfill and Goodwill are located at:
2650 John Smith Road
Hollister CA 95023
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sat - Sun: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Several local businesses also accept household batteries, automotive batteries, cellular phones, computer equipment, televisions, etc. Some items are accepted for recycling and some are accepted for reuse. For a list of locations and what materials they accept, please view the San Benito County Reuse-Recycle-Repair Directory.
Other universal waste, like fluorescent lights, other mercury containing devices, and batteries are accepted at the San Benito County Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events:
For more detailed information on these events, call (831) 636-4110.
Both the landfill and Goodwill are located at:
2650 John Smith RoadHollister CA 95023
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sat - Sun: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Several local businesses also accept household batteries, automotive batteries, cellular phones, computer equipment, televisions, etc. Some items are accepted for recycling and some are accepted for reuse. For a list of locations and what materials they accept, please view the San Benito County Reuse-Recycle-Repair Directory.
Other universal waste, like fluorescent lights, other mercury containing devices, and batteries are accepted at the San Benito County Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events:
| When: | Third Saturday of every month |
| Where: | John Smith Road Landfill |
| Time: | 9:00am to 12:00pm (noon) |
For more detailed information on these events, call (831) 636-4110.
Proper Storage
- Never leave hazardous products within reach of children.
- Never mix chemicals. They can produce deadly gases and possibly explode.
- Do not dispose of hazardous materials in the trash, sewer, storm drains, bodies of water, or on the ground.
- Do not refill empty containers unless the label state this is OK.
- Never remove product labels and always leave products in their original containers.
- Purchase only what you will need. If you have extra, share with a neighbor.
- Store in original containers way from food, pets, and children until a household hazardous waste event is held.