Household Hazardous Waste

Disposing of Hazardous Materials & Hazardous Waste

From industrial chemicals to household cleaners, paints, automotive fluids, even computer monitors and television screens - hazardous materials and wastes are part of our everyday lives. Hazardous Materials are substances that pose a potential risk to life, health, or safety of the environment or self due to their chemical, physical or biological nature. When a hazardous material including universal waste such as batteries, fluorescent lamps or monitors break, it can contaminate or leak into the environment when not disposed of properly. The Gilroy Fire Prevention Program, which is in the BLES Division of Community Development, is the agency that has oversight of hazardous materials disposal by businesses and organizations in Gilroy. Any business or organization that generates hazardous waste is required to have a Permit from the Fire Prevention Program and required to be inspected for proper handling and disposal practices.


Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Residents can use the county-wide Household Hazardous Waste Facility located in San Martin to properly dispose of household hazardous wastes at no charge. This facility only operates for a 3-day period, once each month and residents are required to make an appointment. Please call 408-299-7300, or visit their website here. Through the County of Santa Clara there is a program available businesses that generate less than 27 gallons (100kg) of hazardous waste each month called Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators, click here to learn more.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased in our area with disastrous consequences.

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that are commonly used in many kinds of devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, and even cars.

These batteries are generally safe, but defects or damage from improper use, storage, or charging may cause the batteries to overheat, catch fire, or explode.


Help protect your family and loved ones by following these safety tips:

  • Purchase and use devices certified by a qualified testing laboratory.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storage.
  • Use the correct battery, cord, and power adapter.
  • Always plug directly into a wall electrical outlet for charging.
  • Keep batteries and devices at room temperature.
  • Store and/or charge batteries away from anything flammable.
  • Do not charge a device while sleeping.
  • Do not charge a device near your primary exit.


Stop using the device/battery if:

  • You notice an odor
  • There is a change in color or shape
  • The device or battery is producing an excessive amount of heat
  • The device or battery is leaking or making odd noises


Battery disposal:

  • Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash.
  • Put batteries inside a tightly sealed plastic bag, and place them on top of your closed Recology recycle bin. For more information about lithium-ion battery disposal, visit Recology.com.



More Information

For more information call the Gilroy Fire Prevention Program, which is in the BLES Division of Community Development at City Hall at 408-846-0451.