Additional Hazardous Waste Disposal Opportunities

Published on February 17, 2015

Survey Results Lead to Additional Hazardous Waste Disposal Opportunities for Customers

Free Curbside Battery Pickup and More Waste Drop-off Days Scheduled

Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal customers now have additional options for disposing of household hazardous waste as a result of a survey recently completed by Placer County. Last summer Placer County Environmental Engineering surveyed Tahoe area residents on garbage collection services and the results yielded suggestions that are now being put into place. Survey respondents said year-round curbside battery pickup and additional household hazardous waste collection days are important. In response, Environmental Engineering, working with Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal, has added curbside battery collection to normal garbage pickup. Beginning Feb. 21, Environmental Engineering also will offer free hazardous waste drop-off days on the third Saturday of each month at the Eastern Regional Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Cabin Creek Road outside of Tahoe City. 

Hazardous waste includes such things as paints, motor oil/filters, automotive fluids, cleaners, pesticides, batteries and medications. These items should not be disposed of with regular garbage. Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal customers can dispose of all these items, for free, on the third Saturday of each month at the MRF, but will need to make appointments between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Call 530-583-7800 to make an appointment.

Residents may also dispose of batteries and small electronics during normal curbside trash pickup service. Household batteries and other small devices should be placed in sealable plastic bags and placed atop the trash can lid on normal garbage collection days. Electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, iPods, small radios and cameras must be smaller than 6” x 8” x 10”. Batteries may also be dropped off at Swigards True Value Hardware store in Tahoe City, North Shore Ace Hardware in Kings Beach and Ace Mountain Hardware & Sports in Truckee. 

These programs are sponsored by Placer County, the Town of Truckee, and Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal and are open to all Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal customers. Businesses may also dispose of hazardous materials on the third Friday of each month for a fee and with appointments. Appointments can be made by calling 530-583-7800. There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of waste per vehicle.  

Acceptable Hazardous Waste

Unused medications (no controlled substances), sharps (syringes and lancets in rigid plastic containers), used motor oil/filters, antifreeze, gasoline, vehicle and small household batteries, cleaners, paints, varnishes, solvents, other flammables, herbicides, pesticides, and compressed-gas cylinders (up to 5 gallons). 

Unacceptable Items

Ammunition/explosives, PCBs, medical waste (other than sharps and medications), electronic waste and radioactive materials. A complete list of acceptable items, transport tips and techniques, and maps to the events are available at Placer recycle.

Contact Information

For additional information, contact Michelle J. White at 916-543-3987 or email Michelle J. White