Household Hazardous Waste Collection Options for Thousand Oaks Residents

The City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department's "GoGreen" website has hundreds of conservation tips relating to composting, energy conservation, hazardous waste disposal, recycling and trash, reuse programs, water conservation, living green advice, and much more. Check it out at www.toaks.org/GoGreen.

Like me, you may have a lot of junk lying around the house that you'd like to get rid of but are not allowed to place in the trash. Residents of Thousand Oaks and unincorporated areas of Ventura County may sign up for upcoming Household Hazardous Waste collection events at the City of Thousand Oaks Municipal Service Center (1993 Rancho Conejo Boulevard).

Items accepted at these monthly collection events include acids, motor oil, antifreeze, asbestos, nail polish/remover, automatic switches, oil filters, batteries, paints, cement, paint thinners, chlorine, fertilizers, pool chemicals, fluorescent lights, propane cylinders, fire extinguishers, rodent poison, garden chemicals, smoke detectors, gasoline, solvents, used frying oil, household cleaners, weed killers and more. What they don't accept are tires, medications. business waste and other items.

Upcoming 2013 Household Hazardous Waste events as of May 2013 are Jun 1, Jul 13, Aug 3, Sep 7, Oct 5 and Nov 2 (Dec closed). Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are required at www.toaks.org/GoGreen or 805.449.7283.

One person's hazardous waste is another's gold! The City's Material Reuse Program allows residents to take away certain items previously disposed of, such as cleaners, paint, pool chemicals, motor oils, adhesives, etc. Selection obviously will vary. No appointment needed. Just stop by the dates above from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and check out the selection. 

There are also convenient hazardous waste disposal for specific items at the following locations (for more detailed information, visit www.toaks.org/government/depts/public_works/environmental/residential/hazardous_waste/default.asp):

Batteries: T.O. Teen Center, Community Centers at Borchard Park, Dos Vientos and T.O., Home Depot, Goebel Senior Center, T.O. Libraries, City Hall and more.

Motor Oil/Filters: See website

Electronic Waste: Best Buy, Goodwill, PC Recycle, Waste Management and Gold Coast

Pharmaceuticals: East Valley Police Station has a free medical disposal bin.

Fluorescent Lights/CFL's: Home Depot Newbury Park

Note: This information is current as of January 10, 2013. Visit toaks.org/GoGreen for updates.