Electronic & Universal Waste Program
In February, 2006, the State of California prohibited the disposal of electronic waste, fluorescent tubes, consumer batteries and mercury thermostats into the trash. Known as "Universal Waste", these wastes are health and environmental hazards if they are disposed of improperly.
Examples of prohibited wastes:
Electronic Waste - Computers, computer peripherals, telephones, answering machines, radios, stereo equipment, tape players/recorders, phonographs, VCRs, CD players/recorders, calculators, and microwave ovens.
Mercury Containing Waste - Fluorescent tubes, high-intensity lights, sodium vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, and mercury thermostats and switches.
Consumer Batteries - Including carbon-zinc and alkaline, rechargeable, NiCad, lithium, and mercury button batteries. This includes AA, AAA, C, and D batteries.
Important Note:
Electronics are not the only common household materials that cannot be disposed of in the trash! Paint, cleaners and poisons are several examples of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). For more information on HHW, and how to dispose of it properly, please visit our Household Hazardous Waste page.
Residential Disposal Information
Universal Waste (except household batteries) will no longer be picked up at the curb, in twice-annual cleanups, special pickups, or debris boxes. However, there are programs in place for San Bruno residents to properly dispose of these materials. They include the following:
Recology San Bruno Drop-Off Program
San Bruno residents can bring Universal Waste to the Recology San Bruno Transfer Station at 101 Tanforan Avenue on Saturdays from 8:00am to 3:00pm, or by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am - 12:00pm (noon).
Televisions and computer monitors are subject to a recycling fee. However, at this time, there is no charge for San Bruno residents to drop off the other Universal Wastes listed above. Please contact us for more information.
Household Battery Collection
San Bruno residents can place household batteries in a clear plastic bag and set on top of their recycling container for collection by Recology San Bruno. Battery Bags are available for free at the Public Works Engineering counter, located at San Bruno City Hall, 567 El Camino Real.
Goodwill Donation Centers
Goodwill has a free drop-off program for computer monitors, televisions and cell phones. For more information, contact Goodwill at 1-888-4GOODWILL or visit www.sfgoodwill.org.
Home Depot Offers Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Recycling to Residents
Home Depot stores locally and nationally are accepting CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) for recycling at no charge.
Drop-Off Locations in San Mateo County include the following Home Depot Stores:
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Business Recycling Options
Businesses include offices, restaurants, stores, government agencies, non-profit organizations and schools. Private residents do not qualify as businesses.Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program:
Does the business generate up to 27 gallons or 220 pounds maximum of universal waste (and other hazardous waste) per month?
This Program is now being contracted out to our hazardous waste contractor, Philip Services Co., (PSC) Please call (877) 748-3040 for more information. You must have your company's EPA ID number and an itemized inventory of the waste you wish to dispose of ready.
Disposal Rates:
You will need the free The disposal cost for fluorescent lamps is $0.12 per foot, and for batteries is $1.00 per pound, with a $30 service fee.
To figure out how much fluorescent bulbs weigh, multiply the total length in feet by 0.15 pounds/foot. Example: One 4-foot tube calculates as 4 feet times 0.15 pounds/foot = 0.6 pounds. A business would have to generate 367 4-foot tubes each month to equate to 220 pounds.
EPA ID Numbers:
To obtain an EPA ID number, the business must fill out DTSC's Form 1358.
If the business generates MORE than 27 gallons or 220 pounds, then the business does NOT qualify for the VSQG program.
If your business does not qualify for the VSQG, refer to The San Mateo County Environmental Health Department: (650) 363-4305