OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is issuing an alert to remind all county residents and businesses of the importance of proper disposal of hazardous waste, especially batteries. Improperly disposed batteries continue to be the leading cause of fires in the waste system, which endangers lives and the environment, has potential to cause significant damage and disrupts waste services.
According to US Fire Administration, each year in the United States an average of 8,300 landfill fires occur, resulting in potentially dangerous working conditions and property loss. Other leading hazardous waste culprits include items that are easily flammable and/or corrosive, such as paints, oils, cleaning chemicals and gasoline. “When discarded in your trash or recycling receptacle, batteries can become compacted and punctured causing them to easily explode and cause fires in the collection vehicles, transfer stations and at our landfills,” said Tom Koutroulis, director OC Waste & Recycling. “With the fire season and high temperatures upon us, the proper disposal of batteries and hazardous waste is critical to minimizing these dangers.”
Disposal is easy and available via drive-through services at any of the four OCWR Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCC) located throughout the County. Simply place items in the trunk or truck bed and upon arrival at a HHWCC, a trained staff will collect the materials for recycling or proper disposal.
HHWCC are a safe way to dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste such as pesticides, household chemicals, automotive products, or e-cigarette cartridges. E-waste such as televisions, tablets, old cell phones and computers are also accepted. Residents are encouraged to ask for a FREE battery collection recycling bucket, available while supplies last.
The four HHWCCs are conveniently located in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except holidays and rainy days).
- Anaheim Collection Center — 1071 N. Blue Gum Street, 92806
- Huntington Beach Collection Center — 17121 Nichols Lane, 92647, Gate 6
- Irvine Collection Center — 6411 Oak Canyon, 92618
- San Juan Capistrano Collection Center — 32250 Avenida La Pata, 92675