Used Oil and Household Hazardous Waste

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Did you know that just one quart of oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water?

Oil Quart Help prevent water pollution by taking your used oil to a used oil collection center. Included is the location of the certified collection center that will accept up to five gallons of used motor oil at no cost. This facility also accepts used oil filters. Please contact the facility before delivering your used oil. Please note that used oil filters may not be disposed of with regular household trash. They must be taken to a household hazardous waste collection or recycling center in Palos Verdes Estates. Please do not mix your oil with other substances!

Just follow these simple steps:

Store your used motor oil in a sealed, leak-proof container.
Do not mix oil with gasoline, automotive liquids, other liquids or debris. This contamination makes it hazardous and not recyclable.
Take it to one of the centers during regular business hours only.
Bring only used motor oil to a collection center. Other automotive fluids can be disposed of free at a Household Hazardous Waste collection event.
Recycle no more than five gallons at a time

Lunada Bay Automotive
2133 Palos Verdes Drive West
Palos Verdes Estates, Ca 90274
(310) 375-8313

This location is for reference only. Operating hours may vary, please call to verify.

Household Hazardous Waste

Hazardous wastes discarded from homes can threaten human health or the environment when disposed of improperly. Many people don't realize it, but there are a lot of common household items that are considered hazardous. These include medications, paint, motor oil, antifreeze, auto batteries, lawn care products, pest control products, drain cleaners, pool care products such as chlorine and acids, and household cleaners. Some household cleaners may be harmful separately or when combined, such as ammonia and bleach.

Safe use, storage, and disposal practices

Many of the products found in our homes are toxic. They can cause serious human and animal health and environmental problems if used, stored and disposed of improperly. The simple practices listed below can help keep your family, home, neighborhood and environment safe.

Do's

Think carefully before buying a product. Do you really need it? Do you already have something similar?
Buy just enough to do the job.
Look for a non-hazardous or less hazardous substitute.
Read the label and follow use, storage and disposal directions carefully. Watch for signal words such as caution, warning, poison or danger. If directions are unclear, contact the manufacturer or dealer before using.
Keep all chemical products and waste out of reach of children and animals.
Keep leftover products in original labeled containers so that you can refer to directions for use and proper disposal.
Share unused products with others if each product is in its original container with a label.
Dispose of household hazardous waste properly by taking it to a collection event scheduled near you.
Locate auto repair shops and gas stations that recycle used motor oil, antifreeze and batteries.
Completely finish products in containers before disposal. Clean, empty containers can be put in the trash. (Note: Some cities will even recycle empty paint cans and aerosol containers.)
Triple rinse all containers of water-soluble materials. Use rinse water according to label directions.

Don'ts

Do not dump leftover products into the street, storm drains or ground. It is illegal.
Do not burn used or leftover products or product containers. Burning may produce toxic fumes and contribute to air pollution.
Do not bury leftover products or containers in your yard or garden.
Do not reuse pesticide or other chemical containers for other purposes.
Do not mix chemical products or wastes.
Do not put any household hazardous waste in the trash or sink.
Do not repackage chemical products in containers that are normally used for food products or soft drinks. Children have died from drinking chemicals stored in soft drink and juice bottles.
Do not store corrosives, flammables and poisons together. Separate these containers.
Never mix household hazardous materials. Dangerous reactions can occur.
Do not smoke, eat or drink when handling household hazardous products.

Before transporting household generated hazardous waste to a Collection Facility or ABOP (Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil and Oil Filters, and Paint) Facility, be sure that:

The containers are sound, not leaking and sealed.
The waste is in its original container or is properly labeled as to its contents.
Wastes are placed securely in the vehicle for safe transport.
The contents of the container are the same as stated on the label. If not the same, cover up the label and write the name of its contents.
Place items in a cardboard box. Wrap glass bottles in cloth or newspaper so they do not break while transported.
Place the cardboard box in the trunk of your car or in the bed of your pickup truck. Keep items away from passengers.
Follow directions once you reach the event site.
At the site, staff will unload the chemicals from your vehicle. You will be asked to stay inside your vehicle.

Weekly Disposal Opportunity

The Gaffey SAFE collection Center in San Pedro is a permanent household hazardous waste and electronics waste collection facility open to all Los Angeles County residents.

Gaffey Street S.A.F.E.

1400 N. Gaffey St. San Pedro, CA 90731

1-800-98-TOXIC (1-800-988-6942)

Hours:

Sat & Sun: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Directions: The collection facility is located on Gaffey Street, between Capital Drive and Channel Street. It is opposite the DMV and across the railroad tracks.

Accepts:

- paint & solvents

- used motor oil &filters

- anti-freeze & other automotive fluids

- cleaning products

- pool & garden chemicals

- aerosol cans

- all medicine

- auto batteries

- household (alkaline batteries)

- fluorescent tubes & bulbs, thermostats, and other mercury-containing lamps

Residents are limited to a total of SIX pieces of the following items per visit to a S.A.F.E. Center

- computers, monitors, printers, network equipment, cables, telephones, televisions, microwaves, video games, cell phones, radios, stereos, VCRs, and electronic toys

Does NOT Accept:

- business waste, ammunition, explosives, radioactive material, biological waste or tires, bulky items (furniture, refrigerators, washing machines/dryers, conventional ovens, computer software)

Important Note:

It is against the law to transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste to collection sites. Please pack your waste properly to prevent tipping or spilling or the waste during transportation.

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