The County of Santa Clara Household Hazardous Waste Program is expanding access to a service that provides a simple and cost-effective way for small businesses to dispose of hazardous waste. The Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) disposal program is a drop-off service for businesses that generate fewer than 220 pounds, or 27 gallons, of hazardous waste per month, from paint and motor oil to batteries and propane tanks.
The VSQG program is cheaper for small businesses than contracting with a private company to pick up and transport their hazardous waste, and it’s easy to use. Roughly 300 businesses use the program every year, but the County has capacity for more businesses to take part. Nonprofits and property managers are also eligible to participate.
Properly disposing of hazardous waste is important for protecting public health and the environment in Santa Clara County. Reducing the use of these materials and ensuring they are disposed of safely is a key strategy in the County’s Sustainability Master Plan. “We encourage small businesses that qualify for the Very Small Quantity Generator program to take advantage of this cost-effective and easy-to-use service,” said Billy Puk, Program Manager of the VSQG program. “The VSQG program is an effective way to reduce threats to our health and environment and make our community more sustainable.”
The VSQG program, which collected 64,560 pounds of hazardous waste during the 2021-22 fiscal year, typically holds two drop-off events per month in San José and one per month in San Martin.