Hazardous Waste Disposal and Recycling Programs in Ventura County

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) website highlights common products that we use in our daily lives that contain potentially hazardous ingredients, thus requiring special care when disposed of.

Items that are banned from the trash are as follows:

Lights, Batteries and Electronics

• Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes ("old school" incandescent bulbs can be thrown in the trash.). Remember that LED light bulbs and holiday light strands are considered hazardous waste and must be disposed off properly. Here’s a Home Depot guide on how to dispose of light bulbs.

• Batteries of all types and sizes, AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, etc., both rechargeable and single use, as well as lead-acid batteries such as car batteries.

• Computer and television monitors including cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal diode (LCD), and plasma monitors.

• Electronic devices including computers, printers, VCRs, cell phones, telephones, radios and microwave ovens.

Household and Landscape Chemicals

• Flammables and poisons such as oil-based paints and reactive and explosive materials

• Acids, oxidizers, and bases including some pool chemicals and cleaners

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Paints and Solvents - latex paint, oil-based paint, non-empty aerosol paint and solvent cans, and solvents such as paint thinners, nail polish remover, etc.

• Building materials that contain asbestos and wood treated with chromium copper arsenate.

• Automobile items including antifreeze, batteries, motor oil and filters and tires (tires are not considered hazardous but are banned from the trash for other reasons).

• Items Containing Mercury including electrical switches and relays in old appliances, old style thermostats, pilot light sensors in some gas appliances, some gauges and mercury thermometers.

• Other items such as propane tanks, hypodermic needles, syringes, expired/unwanted medications etc.

So what to do with these items? Recycle and reuse them! Here are some local Ventura County resident options:

The City of Thousand Oaks has a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Facility with details at toaks.gov/hhw. Appointments are required for HHW drop-offs. Materials accepted during regular operating hours include household items like aerosol sprays, nail polish, used frying oil, etc., items in the garage like antifreeze, brake fluid, oil, etc., as well as things like paint thinners, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Click the link above for more detailed information.

City of Thousand Oaks battery recycling centers listed at toaks.gov/hhw. Dropoff options as of January 2025 include Borchard Community Park (front entrance), Dos Vientos Community Center (front lobby), Goebel Senior Center (front lobby), Thousand Oaks Library (both entrances), Newbury Park Library (front entrance), Thousand Oaks City Hall (front entrance), Thousand Oaks Community Center (front entrance) and Thousand Oaks Transportation Center (lobby).

Thousand Oaks area computer and electronics recycling centers at toaks.gov/e-waste.

Unwanted and/or expired medications can be dropped off throughout Ventura County at designated police stations. Details at THIS LINK.

Medications and needle and sharps disposal locations in Thousand Oaks at toaks.gov/medsandsharps

The City of Westlake Village offers free monthly hazardous waste collection service via Waste Management. www.wlv.org/faq.aspx?TID=25

City of Simi Valley hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program on six Saturdays per year at THIS LINK.

City of Simi Valley household battery recycling options at THIS LINK includes Simi Valley Public Library, G.I. Industries/Waste Management and Anderson Rubbish.

City of Camarillo hosts household hazardous waste program drop-off events on the 2nd consecutive Friday/Saturday of each month. View upcoming dates and make appointments at www.cityofcamarillo.org/residents/trash___recycling/hazardous_waste.php.

Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme household hazardous waste collection events www.oxnard.org/household-hazardous-waste

Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil and Paint Recycling www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=1022

City of Moorpark hazardous waste drop-off events www.moorparkca.gov/150/Hazardous-Waste

Ventura County needle collection facilities crma.org/home-generated-sharps

City of Ventura hazardous waste collection events www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2103/Household-Hazardous-Waste-HHW-Events

City of Ojai hazardous waste collection options at THIS LINK (pdf doc)

Hazardous waste collection in Calabasas at THIS LINK.

Hazardous waste collection in Agoura Hills at THIS LINK.

Would You Like Slides with That? Fast Food Places in Ventura County with Play Areas!

Sometimes it's fun to take the kids out where you know they'll be able to burn off some steam after their chicken nuggets and fries. Mind you, my kids much prefer going to a park to play, but sometimes it’s nice to eat and play at these (mostly) indoor play areas.

Here are places to eat that have play areas.  Know of other places?  Well then, give me the scoop (the news, not the fries).

McDonalds Locations with Play Areas

• 1730 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805.777.9162)

• 501 New Los Angeles Avenue, Moorpark (805.532.2043)

• 3120 South Saviers Road, Oxnard (805.486.1245)

• 401 West Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme (805.985.3298)

• 1495 East Los Angeles Street, Simi Valley (805.527.9975)

• 2375 Tapo Street, Simi Valley (805.526.2222)

Carl's Jr Locations with Play Areas

• 411 South Reino Road, Newbury Park (805.499.0014)

• 1208 Madera Road, Simi Valley (805.522.8627)

Chick-fil-A Locations with Play Areas

• Chick-fil-A Ventura at 1321 Eastman Avenue (805.339.0977)

• Chick-fil-A Thousand Oaks at 449 N. Moorpark Road (805.379.1611)

• Chick-fil-A Simi Valley at 2460 Sycamore Drive

Other Places with Play Areas

• Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks and Ventura of course have big time play areas and small/big kids' arcades.

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park has an eatery you can chow down at while your kids play in the massive play structures.

• Most of the local Ventura County shopping malls have kids' play areas, some inside, some outside, and there is always food close at hand.

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. 

Since May 2014, the City has run a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility located next to the Service Center at 2010 Conejo Center Drive, Newbury Park.

Residents of Thousand Oaks and unincorporated areas of Ventura County may sign up to drop off items at this facility on Fridays/Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, except certain holiday weekends, at toaks.gov/hhw. Advance registration is required.

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. They do not accept tires, medications. business waste and other items.

One person's hazardous waste is another's gold! The City's Hazardous Waste 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 Reuse Store (same location as waste collection facility) on Friday/Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information at toaks.gov/hhw.

The ReUse store will be closed weekends associated with the following holidays: President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

There are also convenient hazardous waste disposal for other items:

Batteries: Community Centers at Borchard Park, Dos Vientos and Thousand Oaks (next to TOHS), Goebel Senior Center, Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park Libraries, City Hall and Thousand Oaks Transportation Center.

Motor Oil/Filters: See toaks.gov/hhw

Electronic Waste: Best Buy, Goodwill Industries, PC Recycle, Waste Management and Gold Coast Recycling Center. More info at THIS LINK.

Fluorescent Lights/CFL's: You may bring any size or type of fluorescent and LED bulbs to the City's Hazardous Waste Facility.

(See www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-dispose-of-lightbulbs/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901b263d806 for more information on what to do with light bulbs of various types.)

Unwanted and/or expired medications can be dropped off throughout Ventura County at designated police stations, such as the East Valley Police Station Lobby at 2101 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm.

Visit toaks.org/GoGreen for updates.

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is City Historical Landmark #5

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area is located at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks, south of the intersection of Avenida de los Arboles and Westlake Boulevard.

This 428 acre park is a designated historical landmark by the City of Thousand Oaks and County of Ventura. The Chumash inhabited this area going back as far as 12,000 years ago through the late 1800's. 

The park grounds are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There are flat hiking trails and a Chumash village reproduction available to explore. The oak trees provide a beautiful canopy for hikers. It is a peaceful place worth exploring. Note that dogs are prohibited from the property.

Located on the property is the Chumash Indian Museum, which contains a large collection of Chumash artifacts. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information on Oakbrook Regional Park at www.crpd.org/park/oakbrook-regional-park.

Hiking and Exploring in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park

Entrance to Rancho Sierra VistaSatwiwa at Lynn Road and Via Goleta in Newbury Park

Located on the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is accessible in Newbury Park at the intersection of Lynn Road and Via Goleta. This area spans from Potrero Road on the north and connects to Point Mugu State Park on the south.

Ranching in the area dates back to the early 1800s, when Spanish soldiers were granted 48,672 acres of land, "Rancho El Conejo," which through the years was subdivided and sold to other landowners. One of these ranchers was Carl Beal, who in 1937 named the area Rancho Sierra Vista "Mountain View Ranch." The last private landowner in the area was Richard Danielson, whose family farmed and ranched the area for 32 years. Danielson donated 5,585 acres of the ranch to the State of California, which became part of Point Mugu State Park, and sold 850 acres, including the horse ranch, to the National Park Service in 1980.

Sign at Danielson Monument accessible via Danielson Road/Old Boney Trail.

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area is a bike/horse free area within Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa of roughly 60 acres. Located on the northwest corner of this area, just a short walk from visitor parking, is the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center.

The Culture Center is staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekends with a park ranger or other staff. It is a small building that also hosts a variety of educational Chumash and wildlife items. NPS BROCHURE AND TRAIL MAP

Learn more about RSV at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm.

The area is a popular destination for hikers with a variety of well maintained trails. Note, however, that bicycles and horses are not allowed in the "Satwiwa Natural Area" section (see map below).

Map excerpt courtesy of National Park Service.

The Satwiwa Loop Trail is an easy, 2 mile trail that starts at the Culture Center through grasslands, past the old windmill and back around, with several extensions for those looking to do a little more.

There's the Lower Loop Trail and the Upper Loop Trail that is a bit of a zig-zaggy trail with wooden footings placed by volunteers to help hikers navigate. The Upper Loop Trail runs past the "Old Windmill" pictured below.

Satwiwa Lower Loop sign at intersection of Danielson Road trail.

The old windmill at the northeast corner of the Satwiwa Loop Trail (Upper Loop). (Windmill was knocked down by high winds in December 2016 and is still down as of MAY 2024).

You can also park at the Wendy and Potrero trailhead and walk to the Culture Center via the Wendy Trail, about a mile each way.

Wendy Trail trailhead at the intersection of Wendy and Potrero in Newbury Park

It is pretty dry in here most of the year but after the winter/spring rains, the green stages a comeback.

Another trail to explore is the 1 mile Ranch Overlook Trail that takes you from just west of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, up a hill (where you can indeed look down toward the old ranch area, parking area and restrooms) to the main entrance and to the Palomino Trail in the Rancho Potrero Open Space.

Ranch Overlook Trail

One of my favorite trails in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail. This challenging, fairly steep trail branches off from the Satwiwa Loop Trail on the southeast, past the bench at the Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook, via the Boney Mountain Trail/Danielson Road.

The popular bench at Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook. Photo taken April 4, 2014, approximately 11 months after the devasting Springs Fire of 2013.

Roughly 700 feet past the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench is a juncture where you can either veer right into Point Mugu State Park and the Boney Mountain Wilderness, where you can walk down, over a stream (or a dry stream bed as the case may be), towards the popular "waterfall" (which in recent years has been not much more than a trickle) and the Danielson Monument. CLICK HERE for details.

If you veer left at the juncture, you'll see the Hidden Valley Overlook trail sign.

The trail is steep and rocky and reaches an end point in about half a mile. If you are up to the challenge, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Newbury Park, the Channel Islands, Sycamore Canyon and Boney Mountain.

Views from halfway up the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail towards the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area

At the end of the trail is the Hidden Valley overlook, where you will be able to peek into the not-so-hidden-anymore Hidden Valley and its peaceful ranches. As a final reward for your effort, it's all downhill the way back. Be sure to wear solid hiking shoes as the trails are a bit technical.

Peek at Hidden Valley at the end of the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail.

View of Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands, from Hidden Valley Overlook trail

To learn more, visit the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas or visit www.nps.gov/samo or call 805.370.2301.

Dogs are allowed in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. But please, pick up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed in the Point Mugu State Park / Boney Mountain Wilderness back country trails, though they are allowed on paved roads, such as the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail road.

Eateries That Opened or Closed in 2024 or are Coming Soon to the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County

Another year is nearly behind us, so let’s take a moment to reflect on new local area eateries that opened in 2024, eateries that are anticipated to open in the coming months, and eateries that became dearly departed in 2024.

Opened in 2024

• Neighborly Curated Food Hall Opening December 20th (updated) at The Promenade at Westlake

• Blue Agave Tacos & Beer Opening at Agoura Hills City Mall on Dec 15th

• Creole Kings Opened This Fall at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks

• Basta Thousand Oaks Opened on December 6

• Go Fish Sushi Thousand Oaks Opened on November 15

• American Pie Coffee House in Camarillo Opened in October

• The Loose Cannon Bar and Restaurant Opened at Ventura Harbor Village

• La La Land Kind Cafe Opened September 28 at The Promenade at Westlake

• Tilted Kilt Reopened as Oaks Local Craft Kitchen & Bar Thousand Oaks

• Da Hickory House Opened This Summer at the Camarillo Premium Outlets

• The Galloping Hen Opened November 1 in Thousand Oaks

• Plata Cocina Mexicana Opened August 24 at The Oaks Mall

• Rolling Pin Donuts Opened Ventura Location on August 28

• Isaki Sushi Opened in Newbury Park in July

• Shrimp vs Chef Opened in Thousand Oaks in July

• O-R Thai Cuisine Opened New Location in Agoura Hills

• Buster’s OG BBQ & Grill Opened in Thousand Oaks in June

• Selvin’s Restaurant & Lounge Opened June 21 in Newbury Park

• The Curry Leaf Re-Opened in Camarillo in Early June

• Former Thousand Wok Thousand Oaks Became Ling Long Asian Bistro

• Lola Betty’s Kitchen Filipino Cuisine Opened August 10 in Camarillo

• Decker Kitchen Re-Opened at the Lake Lindero Country Club

• Michoacan a Pedir de Boca Ice Cream Shop in Thousand Oaks Opened April 27

• Cafe Ficelle Opened April 10 in Thousand Oaks

• The Pan Kitchen Opened at Former Exotic Thai Westlake Village in March

• La Poblana Mexican Grill Opened in August in Thousand Oaks

• Juice & Boba Opened in Thousand Oaks in January

• Cedro Italian Restaurant Newbury Park Opened on January 18

• Mikey’s Restaurant Newbury Park Opened in January

• Bacio di Latte Gelato Puro Opened November 23 at The Promenade at Westlake

• The Cookie Cafe “Soft” Opened December 13 in Agoura Hills

• Charming Ice Bar Opened November 8 in Thousand Oaks

• Che Gelato in Moorpark Opened in July

• Moby’s on Main Opened in Ventura in June

Coming in the near future

• Bear House Acai Coming Soon to The Oaks in Thousand Oaks

• Le Macaron French Pastries Coming to Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

• Frankie’s Breakfast Burritos Coming Soon to Agoura Hills

• TRU Bowl Superfood Bar Coming Soon to Westlake Village

• Purrrlandia Cat Lounge and Cafe Coming Soon to Thousand Oaks

• Carrara Pastries Coming Soon to Old Town Camarillo

• Fishbone Seafood Opening Soon in Thousand Oaks

• Pure Green Juice Bar Coming to Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks

• Superba Food + Bread Coming to The Commons at Calabasas

• Sonic Drive-In Plans a Fillmore Location

• Zinque Coming to the Westlake Commons in Westlake Village (UPDATE: Anticipated to open 12/23 or 12/24)

• Red O Taste of Mexico is Looking at Early 2025 Opening in Westlake Village

• Luau Grill Coming to North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village

• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Coming to The Oaks Mall in Early 2025 (Handel’s is also coming to Oxnard.)

• House of Bamboo Tiki Lounge Coming to Old Town Camarillo

• Old Oaks Steakhouse in Thousand Oaks on the Cusp of Opening

• Szechuwan Garden Chinese Cuisine Coming to Newbury Park

• Chick-fil-A coming to the Camarillo Premium Outlets

• Makenna Koffee Coming to North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village

• Texas Roadhouse to Open at Camarillo Premium Outlets in Mid-2025

• Hibye Coffee Coming to The Shoppes at Westlake Village

• Honey Cup Coffeehouse Opening Thousand Oaks Location Soon

• Gelato Boutique Coming Soon to the North Ranch Shopping Center

• Diablos Sushi Cantina Coming to Simi Valley

• Dunkin’ Donuts Coming to Newbury Park

• Salsa & Beer Calabasas has been anticipated for four years now

Closed in 2024

• 101 BBQ Hut Closed in Westlake Village and Now Located at Tavern 101

• Tavern Tomoko and Ladyface Brewery to Close on December 22

• Five Guys Burgers and Fries Thousand Oaks Closed in November

• All Fired Up Mongolian Grill Thousand Oaks Closed on November 27

• TGI Fridays Simi Valley Closed Its Doors on October 24

• Hummus Lali at The Shoppes at Westlake Village Closed in October

• Fatburger Thousand Oaks Closed in October

• Ma Dukes by L.A. Roots Artisan Pizzas in Agoura Hills Closed September 22

• Lamppost Pizza Westlake Village Closed in September

• Johnny Rockets at the Camarillo Premium Outlets Closed

• Social Monk Closed - to Become Neighborly Food Hall

• Black Bear Diner Simi Valley Closed on August 7

• Pho & Tea at The Oaks Mall Closed in July

• MOD Pizza Newbury Park Closed in May

• Modern Kitchen at The Shoppes at Westlake Village Closed in April

• Karma Baker in Oak Park Closed on March 30

• Cuckoo Rooster Agoura Hills Closed in February

• Mama’s Hummus Newbury Park Closed on February 28

• Amy’s Drive Thru Thousand Oaks Closed in February

• JOiBIRDS Cafe in Thousand Oaks Closed October 6

• Mediterranean Santour Kabobery Simi Valley

• Michael’s Pizza in Agoura Hills

• Barone’s Pizza in Thousand Oaks Closed on May 28

• Ben & Jerry’s Ventura

• Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Thousand Oaks

• The Raven Tavern in Oxnard Closed in November

The Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is on the National Register of Historic Places

Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot seen from Alelia Ave

The Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is located in the unincorporated community of Saticoy at 11220 Azahar Street.

The depot, built in 1887, was designated Ventura County Historic Landmark no. 176 in May 2016. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

The depot was built by the Southern Pacific Railroad along the line that was being constructed from Los Angeles to Ventura in 1887. The original town of Saticoy was laid out near the new depot. Its name comes from the Chumash village of Sa’aqtik’oy. 

The Saticoy Depot served rail that traveled through the Santa Clara Valley between Saugus to Ventura County. It was one of 14 Southern Pacific Railroad Depots in Ventura County - the others were Oxnard, Santa Susana, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Sespe, Camulos, Somis, Montalvo and downtown Ventura. Only six of these remain today.

Saticoy Depot in 1956 (Museum of Ventura County)