SHARE:  

JUNE 2024

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW)

Did you know disposing properly of household hazardous waste is essential to keeping workers safe and local habitats free of pollution? Safely dispose of hazardous waste to prevent harm to humans, wildlife, and the environment. We know this can be tricky to remember, bookmark this email to refer to later!

Why proper disposal is important:

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs need to be handled with caution and disposed of responsibly. They contain a small amount of mercury in them and can pose a threat to human health if broken. If you should break a fluorescent bulb of any kind, evacuate the general area and follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s guide for cleaning it up.


Used Motor Oil

Used motor oil accounts for over 40% of the oil pollution of our nation’s harbors and waterways. Recycling used motor oil also allows it to be re-refined and used again, creating less of a demand for new oil. 

Paint

Most paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. VOCs are solvents that are released into the air as paint dries. You can dispose of paint at an HHW collection event or at a local participating retailer.


Tires

Tires are highly flammable, and if burned, the smoke emission is very toxic. If improperly stored outdoors, tires collect standing water, where mosquitoes breed.



Batteries

Batteries should not go into your trash as they can leak toxic chemicals when landfilled. 

Where to drop off Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):

Gaffey Street S.A.F.E. Center

1400 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731

Saturdays & Sundays, 9 am - 3 pm

*Accepts HHW, e-waste, used motor oil & filters.


EDCO Recycling & Transfer Center

2755 California Ave., Signal Hill, CA 9055

June 8th & 22nd, 9 am- 2 pm

*Accepts used tires, HHW, e-waste, and used motor oil & filters.



EDCO Reuse Center


Help reduce waste by picking up FREE available products such as household cleaners, lawn and garden products, paint, and more. Residents can take home partially used household, yard, and car care products for free to help save money on the purchase of new items, reduce waste, and reduce the cost of disposing good products.

EDO reuse center

Preparing your items for drop-off:


  1. Pack your waste in a cardboard box or plastic bin
  2. Place waste securely in trunk and separated from personal belongings
  3. Remain in your vehicle at all times during unloading process

*State transportation limit is 15 gallons or 125 pounds per vehicle, per visit.

Learn more

E-WASTE & CITY-SERVICED COLLECTIONS

E-Waste Drop-Off


CCLB E-Waste Drop-Off

340 Nieto Ave., Long Beach, CA 90814

June 8th & 22nd, 10 am- 2 pm


Collection occurs in the parking lot on the south side of the building


*E-Waste Drop-off ONLY at this location.


FREE Motor Oil Collection


Used motor oil must be disposed of properly and can be recycled! If you can't make it to a HHW collection event, schedule a pickup. Residents with City-serviced refuse accounts can request for their used motor oil and filters to be picked up on their next recycling collection day through completing the online form or by calling (800) 774-0222.

FREE Tire Collection


Long Beach households that have City-serviced refuse can have up to five (5) passenger tires picked up for recycling at no additional cost through the City’s Special Collection program. Residents can schedule up to 12 special collections per year. To schedule a special collection, submit a request online.

Schedule a Pickup
Schedule a Pickup

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!

Scroll to the bottom of this email to find out the answer!

Which of the following items is considered hazardous waste?
A. Candle jar
B. Empty vinegar bottle or jug
C. String lights
D. Empty hairspray can
E. All of the above

USER RESEARCH SUPPORT NEEDED!

We are working with U.S. Digital Response (USDR) to make recycling education more accessible and would like your input in reviewing our education materials and providing feedback.



  • By participating in a 30-minute phone interview, you will help us refine our communications around recycling guidelines.
  • You will also receive a $25 gift certificate per 30-minute interview.
  • Phone interviews will be conducted between June 10- June 18.
  • Please fill out the form below to express your interest in participation.
Interest form

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

The City of Long Beach Environmental Services Bureau (ESB) hosts FREE workshops to teach residents about recycling, waste reduction, composting, and more. Workshops are offered in English and Spanish.

Recycle Right


Learn all about recycling in Long Beach! We'll teach you what can and cannot be recycled and how to prepare your trash and recyclables. 


Learn to Compost


We'll teach you how to set up and maintain a backyard compost bin and vermicompost (worm) bin, see what materials can or cannot be placed in your compost bin, and how to effectively use finished compost.  

Register here
Register here

POP QUIZ ANSWER

The correct answer is.... C.


String lights, holiday lights, and lightbulbs are hazardous waste and do NOT belong in your trash or recycling cart. They contain a small amount of mercury in them and can pose a threat to human health if broken. They also can get tangled in machinery at recycling facilities, creating a safety hazard for workers.

Where do the other items belong?

Candle jars can be reused or recycled once leftover wax is removed. Remove wax from candle jars by pouring boiling water into the container, leaving room at the top. The boiling water will melt the wax and it will float to the top of the water. Let the water cool and remove the wax.



Empty hairspray cans may be recycled only if they are completely empty. Make sure all contents and air is out of the can, then remove the plastic tip and place in the recycling bin. If there are still contents in the hairspray can, it must be treated as hazardous waste and brought to a HHW collection center.

Empty vinegar glass bottles and jugs can be reused or recycled. You can easily refill vinegar at your local refill shop! Or repurpose the container as a watering can, planter, or bird feeder.

To learn more, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Facebook  Instagram  X

How did you like this month's content of our EcoGuide Newsletter?

Share your thoughts here!

QUICK LINKS

Can I recycle...?

Replace/Repair a Recycling or Trash Cart

Read The LB Recycler

Ask us a question!

Facebook  Instagram  X

@LBRecycles