Managing Hazardous Waste in our County

Residents within Calaveras and Alpine County can dispose of hazardous wastes at Rock Creek HHW Collection Facility, which is open daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 

We do not yet have any HHW collection events scheduled for 2010.  Check back often for any updates.

Businesses can obtain the Hazardous Waste Disposal for Businesses form and instructions here.  This form must be submitted and approved before a business can dispose of hazardous wastes at the Rock Creek HHW Collection Facility.   

California State Transportation Laws limit the transportation of hazardous waste for each vehicle to a maximum of 15 gallons of liquid (in no larger than 5-gallon containers) or 125 pounds of solid material.  Never mix chemicals.  Place in sealed containers and pack to prevent spills.  The Rock Creek facility will only accept materials up to these limits. If more than the allotted amount of hazardous waste is brought to Rock Creek, the remaining amount will not be accepted, but will be sent home with the resident.

Improper Disposal is Illegal

In California, disposal of hazardous waste into the trash, a municipal landfill, down the drain, or at any other unauthorized point is illegal. The illegal disposal of hazardous waste is a crime and any party who illegally disposes of a hazardous waste may be subject to fines up to $25,000 (per day, per incident) and/or be subject to imprisonment (Health & Safety Code, §§ 25189-25196).

County personnel will be responsible for determining estimated quantities of material in closed containers. The County will document each load turned away from the facility to discourage illegal dumping.  If waste is found on the side of the road, California Highway Patrol will dispatch its Environmental Investigation Unit.  All costs will be charged to the party that dumped the waste. 

Hazardous wastes can be found

In the home ~ Cleaners, Medications, Aerosol Sprays, Batteries, Fluorescent Bulbs, Nail Polish, Makeup, Syringes, Mercury Thermometers, Mercury Thermostats and Adhesives.   

In the garage ~ Antifreeze, Used Oil (up to 20 gallons), filters, auto batteries, car cleaners, fuels, brake fluid, hydraulic oils, paints, stains, paint thinners, solvents & glues. 

In the yard ~ Pesticides, Herbicides, Propane tanks (no larger than 25 gallons), Fertilizer, Pool & spa chemicals. 

Definitions ~

Toxic: Poisonous, toxic metals, like cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, barium, nickel and zinc.

Corrosive: Eats or wears away metals and other materials.

Ignitable: Catches fire under certain conditions.

If you need assistance in determining if your waste is hazardous, please contact the Calaveras County Environmental Management Agency at (209) 754-6399 or visit their website at www.co.calaveras.ca.us.