Upcoming Events

All events will be held at La Playa Stadium Parking Lot (2-C) on the campus of Santa Barbara City college from 9am - 1pm.

  • Saturday, November 14th, 2026

  • Saturday, March 6th, 2027

  • Saturday, June 12th, 2027

 

Instructions for Transporting HHW

While transporting HHW in your vehicle, it is important to take precautions. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe and your vehicle clean:

  1. Consolidate materials in a cardboard box or plastic bin no larger than 5 gallons. (5-gallon buckets from hardware stores are a convenient option). The box/bin should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the individual containers. If using a box, tape along the seam on the bottom for added support.

  2. Place a clear plastic liner inside the box or container. If using a box, fold flaps inward, then place the bag inside. Make sure to keep the bag open so staff can see the contents.

  3. Place items upright and use a newspaper to cushion items and keep them from falling over.

  4. Don’t stack items.

  5. Ensure containers are sturdy and have lids or tops securely fastened. Never transport an open container.

  6. Original containers with labeling are recommended – label contents yourself if the label is unclear. This is helpful for staff to identify the material in a container.

  7. Seal any leaking containers in a sealable bag or in a larger non-leaking container.

  8. Lamps and thermometers (items commonly containing mercury) should be carefully packaged to prevent breakage during the drive.

  9. Keep batteries and heavy items separate from fragile items to avoid breakage.

  10. Transport compact fluorescent (CFL) tubes in the box they came in, or wrap a rubber band around them to prevent rolling and breaking. Do not use duct tape because it can shatter the bulbs.

  11. Never mix materials in a single container!

  12. Store materials in the trunk or rear storage area of your vehicle.

  13. Remain in your vehicle during the unloading process at the HHW event.

City of Santa Barbara Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events

The City of Santa Barbara, in partnership with MarBorg Industries and Clean Harbors, offers free HHW collection events for City residents throughout the year.

Acceptable Items

  • Glues, caulk, roofing tar, wax paste, grease, and joint compound

  • Any aerosol spray cans of paints, cleaners, lubes, pesticides, butane, and camping fuel (any size)

  • Vehicle antifreeze/coolant

  • Polishes, fluids, and gasoline (no automotive parts)

  • Lead acid “auto battery” or small household batteries (place each battery in a clear plastic bag or tape terminals to protect against short circuits)

  • Non-aerosol kitchen and bathroom cleaners (e.g., drain cleaner, ammonia, bleach, soaps, detergents such as acids and caustics)

  • Computers, laptops, computer accessories, tablets, cell phones, cords, USB hubs, flash drives, devices with screens

  • Computers, laptops, computer accessories, tablets, cell phones, cords, USB hubs, flash drives, devices with screens

  • General garden fertilizers

  • Only fire extinguishers that are the size of a 2L soda bottle or smaller

  • Fluorescent light tubes and small CFL “bulbs”

  • Glues and paints

  • Vehicle motor oil and used oil filters

  • Propane tanks

  • Non-aerosol garden pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives and finishes

  • Latex, oil-based paints, stains, lacquer, urethanes, and primers (non-spray paints)

  • Non-aerosol petroleum solvents, paint thinners, mineral spirits, lubricants, turpentine, acetone, alcohol, and gasoline