Safe Disposal of...

1. How do I dispose of old Medicine?



A: Most medicines used in a home are not considered hazardous waste. Although the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at Rainbow Environmental Services will accept medications, they can also be disposed of in the trash after being secured in durable packaging. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at the Rainbow Environmental Services facility is located at 17121 Nichols Street in Huntington Beach. For more information about how to dispose of old medicine, click here.

2. How do I dispose of Sharps?



A: It is illegal to dispose of home generated sharps, including syringes and lancets, in the trash or recycling containers. The law requires all sharps waste be transported to a collection center or to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center such as the one located at the Rainbow Environmental Services facility at 17121 Nichols Street in Huntington Beach. Carefully place all sharps in a heavy-duty puncture resistant container with a tight fitting lid, such as a plastic milk jug, and take them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. Additional information about proper Sharps Disposal may be found on the OC Waste & Recycling website.
PLEASE, DO NOT DISPOSE OF SHARPS IN THE TRASH OR IN A RECYCLING CONTAINER.

3. How do I dispose of Fluorescent light bulbs?



A: Fluorescent light tubes, curly bulbs and lamps contain traces of mercury that can become hazardous. These must be properly handled when they no longer work. DO NOT DISCARD IN THE TRASH. They must be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at the Rainbow Environmental Services facility located at 17121 Nichols Street in Huntington Beach, or they can also be recycled through authorized recycling programs at retail centers such as Home Depot or Lowe's. For more information, visit http://www.oclandfills.com/hazardous/fact_sheets 

4. How do I dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?

 

A: Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are considered to be "household hazardous waste" or "HHW." Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides, that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them. 
 
Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm drains, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.

The closest Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center (HHWCC) site to Fountain Valley is located at Gate No. 6 at the Rainbow Environmental Services facility at 17121 Nichols Street in Huntington Beach. For additional information, call the Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 714-834-6752, visit the Orange County Waste and Recycling website.

For your safety, please observe the following regulations in preparing for your visit to the HHWCC: 
 
  • A maximum of 15 gallons or 125 pounds may be transported per vehicle, per trip (Department of Transportation Requirement). It is illegal to exceed these limits. 
  • Containers larger than five gallons will not be accepted. 
  • Containers will NOT be returned, except for oil containers, upon request. 
  • Materials should be in original containers (except motor oil, fuels and antifreeze). 
  • All containers must have lids, be sturdy, non-leaking, labeled and protected from breakage. 
  • Do not combine different types of waste. 
  • Do not mix oil-base paint with latex paint. 
  • Empty containers with lids removed can be discarded in the trash.

5. How do I dispose of Electronic Waste?

 

A: Do not dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) in the trash or recycling containers. The Fountain Valley Community Foundation sponsors quarterly e-waste collection events. There is no charge. Information can be found at https://www.fountainvalley.org/856/Special-Events.

The Danger

E-waste can contain toxic substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury that can contaminate the land, water, and air if not properly disposed. In addition to keeping toxic waste out of the landfill, there is also material that can be recovered and processed into new products.

What to Recycle

To help residents dispose of e-waste, the city offers free e-waste recycling events. This service helps residents to properly dispose of their e-waste. Acceptable household e-waste items include the following:

  • Audio Devices
  • Cell Phones
  • Desktop Copiers
  • DVD and VCR Players
  • Fax Machines
  • Home Entertainment Systems
  • Keyboards
  • Laptops
  • Loose Wires in Working Condition or Not
  • Monitors
  • Personal Computer Systems
  • Printers
  • Televisions

6. How do I dispose of Household Batteries?


A: The City has three battery disposal locations at City facilities, as follows: 

  • Fountain Valley City Hall, 10200 Slater Avenue 
  • Fountain Valley Recreation Center, 16400 Brookhurst Street 
  • Fountain Valley Senior Center, 17987 Bushard Street.
All 9 volt battery terminals must be covered with tape.

7. How do I dispose of a Mattress?

Mattress


A: Republic Services now offers FREE mattress recycling for households within the City of Fountain Valley.

  • Limit of two mattress/box springs per visit.
  • Mattresses must be delivered to the Republic Services Huntington Beach disposal facility at 17121 Nichols Lane.
  • This offer is not valid for commercial haulers or commercial entities (motels, retail stores).
Some items are not eligible for the free recycling program, and they reserve the right to charge for disposal or to refuse any of the following mattress that are heavily soiled, wet, ripped, or vermin-infested; futons; bed frames; blankets and sleeping bags; car beds; water beds; or cribs.