Hazardous Waste, when improperly handled or stored, can result in fire, explosion, injury, illness, death, and environmental contamination. State and Federal laws to regulate the storage and handling of hazardous wastes were passed in the 1970’s and set-up a system for tracking the waste from “cradle to grave”. The hazardous waste generator (person or facility creating the waste) has responsibility for determining if their waste is hazardous and for the safe handling, transport, and disposal of that waste. Generators of hazardous waste in Yolo County are required to submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan to the Environmental Health Department, which is the CUPA (Certified Unified Program Agency) and are inspected by the CUPA for compliance with Federal and State hazardous waste storage, handling, and disposal regulations at least once every three years.

Industrial Waste

A hazardous waste is any substance that is a waste and threatens human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes may be solid, liquid or sludge. They may be the by-products of manufacturing processes or unwanted commercial products. By definition a waste may be hazardous if it is specifically listed or it has at least one of these characteristics: ignitable (flammable), corrosive to metal and tissue, reactive (explosive), and toxic or damaging to living organisms.

If you are a hazardous waste generator, be sure to manage you waste streams properly.

For more information regarding hazardous waste go to the Yolo County Environmental Health website.

Household Waste

Yolo County offers free disposal of household hazardous waste for Yolo County residents!

Hazardous Waste can be generated from the products you use around your home and yard including pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, paint, and workshop chemicals. Waste generated in the home may include cleaners, aerosol sprays, polishes, medicines, batteries, and craft chemicals. From the garage, hazardous waste may include automotive fluids such as antifreeze, oil (and filters), waxes, polishes, brake and transmission fluids, as well as car batteries. All of these materials are accepted during the monthly household hazardous waste days. Be sure to dispose of your waste properly. Fines for illegal disposal can cost up to $25,000.00 per instance.

Please contact Yolo County Environmental Health at (530) 666-8729 or www.yolocounty.org for the current schedule for drop off days.