Some products we use around our homes contain hazardous ingredients that may cause serious harm to people, pets, or the environment. These include many household cleaners, nail polish removers, motor oil, weed killers, hobby supplies, car batteries, household batteries, fluorescent bulbs, sharps, pharmaceuticals, some electronics, and bug sprays.

It is important that these items are disposed of properly in order to protect your family, pets, and the environment.

What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is any product that is labeled as harmful, toxic, poisonous, combustible, corrosive, flammable, or irritant. Many household products are made of chemicals that can harm us. If these items are used, stored, or disposed of improperly, you, your pets, or the environment can be injured.

Hazardous materials dumped on the ground or into the gutter can contaminate soil and the underground water supply. These products must be used carefully and disposed of properly. Please don’t put HHW products in the trash, on the ground, down the sewer, or into the gutter.

How to tell if a product is hazardous
Check the label on the container for the following key words:

• CAUTION
• CORROSIVE
• DANGER
• EXPLOSIVE
• FATAL
• FLAMMABLE
• HARMFUL
• IRRITANT
• OXIDIZER
• POISON
• REACTIVE
• WARNING

Important tips when using HHW products

• Avoid purchasing hazardous products if possible
• Purchase only what you need. Buy small amounts and check the label for the key words identified above.
• Read and follow label directions carefully. If you must use a hazardous substance, apply only as directed and only as much as needed.
• Wear protective clothing such as safety glasses and gloves, and work in well-ventilated areas.
• Store hazardous products in the original containers in a cool, dry place away from children, pets, and food. Check for leaks.
• Do not mix products or store products together that may be incompatible. This may cause toxic chemical reactions such as explosions, fires, or skin and eye irritations.
• Do not store hazardous products for more than one year from date of purchase.
• Keep the number of the Poison Control Center visible and posted near the telephone in case of emergency: (800) 222-1222

Important HHW Terms:

Explosive – Can catch fire, explode, or give off dangerous fumes when exposed to water or air.
Reactive – Unstable chemicals that may react spontaneously with flammables, water, or other chemicals; may by explosive.
Poisonous/Toxic – May cause injury or death when inhaled (breathing), ingested (eating or drinking), or absorbed through the skin (touching).
Corrosive – Can “eat through” clothes, metal, etc. and severely burn skin.
Flammable – Can catch on fire.

All items listed above (except weapons) can be taken to the Visalia HHW Facility or an approved drop-off location.

For more information, call 559-624-7400 or visit the Tulare County Household Hazardous Waste website.

 

QUICK GUIDE TO HHW MATERIALS:

All starred (*) items listed below can be dried outside, away from kids and pets, and placed in the gray trash cart.

Corrosive & Toxic Products – Do Not Mix with Other Substances
Ammonia-based products
Bathroom/kitchen cleaners
Bleach
Car wax (solvents)
Chlorine cleaners
Disinfectant
Drain openers
Glass cleaners
Pool chemicals
Oven cleaners

Explosive Items – Take to the Police or Sheriff’s Department
Ammunition
Firearms

Flammable Products
Aerosol sprays
Disinfecting sprays
Deodorant sprays
Hairsprays

Flammable, Corrosive & Toxic Items
Asphalt
Driveway sealants
Roofing tar*
Rug and upholstery cleaner*
Rust remover*
Thinners

Flammable & Toxic Products
Cleaner/degreaser
Copper polish*
Diesel fuel
Enamel
Floor polish*
Furniture polish*
Gasoline
Kerosene
Motor oil
Nail polish remover*
Oil-based paint’
Shoe polish*
Silver polish*
Spot remover*
Stains
Solvents
Stripper
Transmission fluid
Turpentine
Varnishes
Wood preservatives

Toxic Items
Abrasives
Antifreeze
Artist/model paint* (leftover paint must be taken to an HHW facility, event, or to an approved drop-off location but a completely empty, dried out container can be placed in the blue cart)
Batteries (radios, toys, etc.)
Car batteries
Fertilizer
Fluorescent bulbs
Fungicides
Herbicides
Insecticides
Medicine
Mercury
Mothballs
Latex paint* (leftover paint should be soaked up with kitty litter and placed in the gray cart but the empty, dried out container can be placed in the blue cart)
Oil based paint (leftover paint must be taken to an HHW facility, event, or to an approved drop-off location, but a completely empty, dried-out container can be placed in the blue cart)
Pharmaceuticals (medications)
Scouring powder
Water-based paint* (leftover paint should be soaked up with kitty litter and placed in the gray cart but the empty, dried out container can be placed in the blue cart)
Weed killer

TULARE COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF EVENT

Saturday, April 25, 2026
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tulare County Fire Station 
2082 Foster Dr
Tulare, CA 93274
Please click here for more information:  Household Hazardous Waste Cleanup Event

More information about Household Hazardous Waste disposal can be found on the Tulare County Household Hazardous Waste website.