Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about household hazardous waste? Find answers to some of the most common questions below. For complete information about accepted materials, locations, hours and disposal options, visit the linked pages.

Before You Visit

Who can use the Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility?

Marin County residents and businesses, except those located in Novato, can use the Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility in San Rafael. Residential disposal is free for eligible residents. Businesses must meet program requirements and may be subject to fees and appointment requirements.

Learn more about residential disposal

Learn more about business disposal

Novato residents and businesses should use the Novato Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Is there a fee to dispose of household hazardous waste?

Residential disposal is free for eligible Marin County residents.

Business disposal is subject to fees based on the type and quantity of hazardous waste.

Do I need an appointment?

Residential customers do not need an appointment to drop off household hazardous waste at the San Rafael facility.

Businesses must make an appointment before bringing hazardous waste to the facility.

What should I bring with me?

Residents:

Bring your household hazardous waste in its original container whenever possible.
Keep products separate, do not mix chemicals, and make sure containers are securely closed and safe to transport.
Proof of Marin County residency is required.
See residential drop-off guidelines

Businesses:

Businesses must meet program requirements and make an appointment before bringing hazardous waste to the facility.
See business drop-off guidelines

Do not bring leaking or damaged containers in your vehicle. If you are unsure about a material or quantity, contact the facility before your visit.

How much household hazardous waste can I bring?

Quantity limits apply to both residents and businesses.

Residential customers may bring up to 15 gallons of liquid hazardous waste or 125 pounds of combined liquid and solid hazardous waste, with special limits for latex paint and used motor oil.

Business quantities and requirements are different and may involve additional fees or arrangements.

Learn more about residential disposal

Learn more about business disposal

What Can I Bring?

What materials does the HHW Facility accept?

The Marin HHW Facility accepts many common household and business hazardous materials, including paints, solvents, pesticides, automotive products, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and other materials that require special handling.

Accepted materials and quantity limits vary by program and facility, so check the appropriate list before you visit.

See what we accept from residents

See what we accept from businesses

What if I'm not sure whether you accept something?

Check the accepted-materials information for your type of disposal first.

See what we accept from residents

See what we accept from businesses

If you still aren’t sure, contact the HHW Facility before bringing the material. Staff can help determine whether it is accepted and whether there are special requirements or quantity limits.

Other Disposal Options

Are there other places I can drop off batteries?

Yes. You can bring household batteries to the Marin HHW Facility, and Zero Waste Marin programs provide other convenient battery recycling drop-off options throughout Marin County.

Are there other places I can drop off light bulbs?

Yes. You can bring many types of household bulbs to the Marin HHW Facility, and Zero Waste Marin programs provide other convenient bulb drop-off options throughout Marin County.

Where can I recycle used motor oil and filters?

Residents can bring used motor oil and filters to the Marin HHW Facility.

Other convenient recycling locations are also available throughout Marin County.

How do I dispose of needles, syringes, and other sharps?

Never place loose sharps in recycling or garbage carts. Marin County residents can use approved sharps disposal options, including the HHW Facility.

Businesses and organizations that generate sharps should follow applicable commercial disposal requirements.

Where can West Marin residents and businesses dispose of household hazardous waste?

Zero Waste Marin hosts Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events in West Marin each spring and fall. These free events give West Marin residents and eligible businesses an option for safely disposing of household hazardous waste. Appointments are required to attend an event, and accepted materials and quantities may vary.

I have a household product that’s still good. Can I donate it?

Possibly. Marin County residents can donate certain usable household products to Reuse It Marin. Located at the Marin HHW Facility in San Rafael, the program helps keep usable products out of the waste stream.

Can I get household products that have been reused?

Marin County residents can find selected usable household items and reprocessed latex paint through Reuse It Marin. The program is located at the Marin HHW Facility in San Rafael, and available items vary.