What’s Acceptable?
Hazardous Wastes ACCEPTED at the HHW Collection Facility
For a listing of what is accepted at the HHW Collection Facility, click here.
Hazardous Wastes NOT ACCEPTED at the HHW Collection Facility
- Medications (Learn about proper pharmaceutical disposal)
- Medical waste, Sharps (needles, scalpels, etc.):
- NOTE: Effective September 1, 2008 Sharps can no longer be disposed of in the trash.
- Sharps Disposal Quick Reference (locations in central Contra Costa County)
- Concord residents can drop off sharps at Concord Disposal Service
- There are also a number of companies that provide “mail back sharps disposal” for a fee.
- Waste contaminated with PCBs at more than 50 ppm (fluorescent light ballasts containing PCBs will be accepted)
- Radioactive material:
- For Smoke Detector recycling see link with manufacturer take-back information
- Radioactive material, other than smoke detectors, contact Contra Costa Health Services
- Explosive waste (including ammunition, picric acid, and fireworks) - contact local law enforcement agency
- Compressed gas cylinders (propane accepted) - contact local compressed gas suppliers
- E-waste – for information on e-waste disposal see:
- Treated Wood Waste:
**NEW** Due to regulatory changes as of January 1, 2021, treated wood, such as fence posts, decking, telephone poles, railroad ties, etc., is no longer allowed to be disposed of in a solid waste landfill. There are currently no disposal options available to households. For questions about responsible disposal of treated wood waste, contact the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Visit dtsc.ca.gov/toxics-in-products/treated-wood-waste or email tww_help@dtsc.ca.gov.