Currently, UCLA and LA-Glendale S.A.F.E. centers are closed until further notice.
At LA County S.A.F.E. centers, do not expect to get your containers back after drop-off.
Unique Regulations
In Los Angeles County, tight restrictions and regulations are placed on the disposal of chemicals. While chemical disposal is tightly regulated everywhere in the nation, unique regulations and laws in Los Angeles County are listed below.
The 15 gallon / 125 lb transport limit
The most important thing to know about chemical disposal in Los Angeles County is this law. It is illegal for any individual to transport more than 15 gallons or 125 lbs of hazardous material in their personal vehicle at a time.
California Hazards
California categorizes certain chemicals and substances as hazardous even if they are not considered hazardous in other states. These include: Corrosive Solids (like Sodium Hydroxide Pellets), Nickel & Zinc, and used oil.
The S.A.F.E. center system
Permanent facilities ran by LA Sanitation which accepts Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics. The S.A.F.E. centers work similarly to household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities. As of late 2025, proof of residence in Los Angeles County is now required. Residents on the outskirts of the county can make use of mobile collection events to dispose of hazardous waste without traveling into the city. More information on mobile collection events is listed below.
The CESQG Loophole for Advanced Hobbyists
Note The term “CESQG” was officially retired in favor of VSQG. The system works largely the same, with one exception. There are now stricter labeling restrictions. Even small generators must have every container labeled with the respective contents’ hazards (e.g., Flammable, Corrosive)
While most Los Angeles residents are stuck with the S.A.F.E. Center rules: you can only bring 15 gallons/125 lbs at a time, and they sometimes refuse “industrial” chemicals that don’t look like household cleaners or automotive fluids.
If you have a large lab clean-out or specialized chemicals (reagents, heavy metal salts, etc.), you can apply to the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program (formerly CESQG). This allows you to legally dispose of your hobby waste as a “small business” for a small fee.
- Get a Temporary EPA ID: Call the California DTSC at 1-800-618-6942. Tell them you are a “Very Small Quantity Generator” doing a one-time clean-out. They can often issue a temporary ID over the phone for free.
- Inventory Your Waste: List every chemical, its approximate weight/volume, and its hazard class (e.g., Flammable, Corrosive).
- Call for a VSQG Appointment: Don’t just show up to the S.A.F.E. center. Call 1-800-98-TOXIC (1-800-988-6942) specifically to ask for a VSQG Appointment.
- Pay the Fee: Unlike residential drop-offs (which are free), VSQGs pay a small “at-cost” fee. For most hobbyists, this is usually between $50–$150. This is a steal compared to a private $2,000 waste hauler.
- If you choose this route, ensure all your containers are clearly labeled. “Unknowns” are the fastest way to get your appointment canceled or to face massive “characterization fees.”
S.A.F.E. Center Locations
| Center Name | Communities | Hours of Operation | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicole Bernson (Balboa) | North Valley | Sat & Sun 9:00am – 3:00pm | 10241 N. Balboa Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325 |
| Gaffey Street | Harbor Area | Sat & Sun 9:00am – 3:00pm | 1400 N. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 |
| LA-Glendale | Central LA | TEMPORARILY CLOSEDUntil further notice | 4600 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 |
| Hyperion | Playa Del Rey | Sat & Sun 9:00am – 3:00pm | 7660 W. Imperial Hwy (Gate B), Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 |
| Randall Street | East Valley | Sat & Sun 9:00am – 3:00pm | 11025 Randall Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 |
| UCLA | West LA | TEMPORARILY CLOSEDUntil further notice | 550 Charles E. Young Dr W, Los Angeles, CA 90095 |
| Washington Blvd | East LA | Sat & Sun 9:00am – 3:00pm | 2649 E. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90021 |
Mobile Roundup
Many residents in LA County are located too far from any of the permanent S.A.F.E. centers. To accommodate these residents, LA County public works hosts ‘mobile roundups.’ These roundups occur in different cities throughout LA County every weekend. For more information about the mobile roundups, their dates, and their locations, visit the CleanLA event calendar as well as the LA County sanitation district information HHW page. A link to both pages is provided below.
Disposal Safety Checklist
Keep it in the trunk: Never transport chemicals in the passenger cabin.
Original Containers: Facilities often reject chemicals in Gatorade bottles.
The “No-Mix” Rule: Never consolidate different waste streams into one bucket.
Box & Brace: Place containers in a sturdy plastic bin or cardboard box and use crumpled newspaper or trash bags to prevent tipping during turns.
Common Hobbyist Chemicals in Los Angeles County
The S.A.F.E. Centers and roundup events accept most hobbyist waste, but certain substances have specific rules in LA County. Below are the most common chemicals found in home labs and how to handle them locally.
Solvents & Etchants
Acetone High purity acetone used for cleaning 3D prints or resin work is accepted at all S.A.F.E. Centers. Like OC, you are limited to 15 gallons per trip but be prepared to leave your containers. LA facilities generally do not return gasoline or solvent cans due to high volume.
Muriatic Acid (HCl) Preferred in their original retail containers. If transferring to a new bottle, it must be HDPE and clearly labeled to avoid “Unknown” rejection.
Photography & Metal Recovery
Silver Nitrate This is considered a toxic oxidizer. If you are a “Professional Hobbyist” (VSQG) generating silver-only waste, you may have reduced management requirements. For standard residential drop-off, do not mix this with organic solvents in the same transport box.
Power & Electronics
Hydrogen Peroxide Hobbyists using 30%+ concentrations for retrobrighting or oxidation experiments should handle this as a reactive hazard. Make sure the cap is vented or not under pressure before transport. Check the Reuse Centers at S.A.F.E. locations before buying new. Hobbyists sometimes drop off half-full bottles of high-grade peroxide that you can pick up for free (up to 5 items per week)