Household Hazardous Waste
The Merced County Division of Environmental Health offers the following programs for residents and businesses generating small amounts of hazardous waste. Click on a link below to learn more about a program:
Certified Used Oil Collection Center
Monthly Curbside Oil Collection
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Temporary Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Waste Generators
Recycled Latex Paint
Universal & Electronic Waste Recycling & Disposal
Certified Used Oil Collection Center
Environmental Health's Certified Used Oil Collection Center is located at 6049 N. Highway 59 (on the left just before the scale house at the landfill). The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
At the facility, we will pay 4 cents per quart or 16 cents per gallon for used motor oil from residences.
The maximum amount of oil we can accept with prior notification (appointment basis) is 55 gallons per shipment (in containers up to 55-gallon size). Without prior notification to the facility, the transporter will be limited to hauling a total of 20 gallons, with no container exceeding 5-gallon capacity. The oil must not be contaminated with any other substances. During transport, the container(s) should be secured and the lid(s) on tight to prevent spills.
There are numerous other Certified Oil Collection Centers located in Merced County that will accept used motor oil from the public. For a list of Collection Centers, please click here. This program is funded in part by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
Monthly Curbside Oil Collection
Do you change your own motor oil?
Would you like the used motor oil to be picked up at your residence for free?
If you answered yes to both questions, then this program is for you. Call 723-4753 or (800) 734-7391 and sign up for the program.
A 5-gallon container for used oil collection will be delivered to you. You will also receive additional information on the Curbside Oil Collection Program, as well as a magnet with your assigned pickup day. To learn the scheduled pickup day for your area, please click here.
When properly handled, used motor oil can be recycled and reused. The metals that dissolve in the oil during use in engines contaminates the oil, making it toxic. Our goal is to keep the used motor oil out of our water systems.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Merced County offers an outlet for household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal. The HHW facility is located at 6049 N. Highway 59 and is open for business six days a week. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
We accept a wide variety of household hazardous waste, which includes: car batteries, CRTs, latex paints, used oil and oil filters, antifreeze, medically prescribed hypodermic needles, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, paints and thinners, pool chemicals and much more. We do not accept items such as: munitions, explosives, radioactive materials, medical waste or compressed gas cylinders.
The key point to remember: A maximum of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of HHW may be transported at any time. The containers must be in good condition and not leaking. This service is free.
Temporary Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Each year, we visit communities in Merced County to collect household hazardous waste. This is a free service for all residents of Merced County.
The MAXIMUM amount of waste that we will accept per vehicle at these events is:
It is illegal to transport more than the listed amounts. You may make more than one trip if necessary.
No containers larger than 5 gallons will be accepted. No businesses will be accepted at the one-day events.
Please contact Environmental Health at 381-1100 or the HHW facility at 723-4753 for more information.
Conditionally Exempt Small-Quantity Waste Generators
If your business generates less than 220 pounds, 100 kilograms, or 27 gallons of hazardous waste in one month, you could qualify for this program. CESQG businesses can dispose of their hazardous materials at our facility free of charge.
Guidelines for the CESQG program:
Recycled Latex Paint
Merced County offers recycled paint to nonprofit organizations free of charge.
The paint is collected from the annual community collection events, then recycled and returned to us in 5-gallon containers. The paint comes in beige or gray, depending on the batch. The paint is designed for external use only.
Paint is issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested parties should contact this office at 723-4753 or 381-1100.
Universal and Electronic Waste Recycling and Disposal
The State of California requires that electronic waste, fluorescent tubes, sodium lamps, non-empty aerosol cans and mercury-containing waste be recycled, effective Feb. 9, 2006. This means that effective Feb. 9, 2006, these items can no longer be disposed with general refuse at the landfill.
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities, located at the Merced and Los Banos landfills, will now accept this universal and electronic waste, as well as providing other collection opportunities in the county.
The following types of universal waste can no longer be disposed of as regular trash:
For more information, please visit our Universal Waste Frequently Asked Questions page.
If you have any comments or questions on the new requirements, please contact Jeff Palsgaard, Director of Environmental Health, at jpalsgaard@co.merced.ca.us or 381-1087 or Vickie Hayer, Hazardous Material Specialist, at vhayer@co.merced.ca.us or 381-1083.
If you would like any further information about these programs please call (209) 723-4753, or (209) 381-1100.
