Hazardous Waste(s)

Fresno County HazMat Compliance implements the Hazardous Waste Generator Program throughout the Fresno County. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all hazardous waste generated in Fresno County businesses are properly handled, recycled, stored and disposed. HazMat Compliance staff in these programs inspect facilities that generate hazardous waste, investigate reports of illegal hazardous waste disposal, and respond to emergency spills of hazardous chemicals. HazMat Compliance staff also participate in public education programs designed to inform industries and residents about the laws and regulations relating to safe disposal of hazardous waste.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous wastes may be liquid, solid, or sludge. The wastes may be the by-products of manufacturing processes or simply unwanted commercial products. If the waste has any of these four characteristics, then it is considered to be hazardous:

  • Ignitibility
  • Reactivity
  • Corrosivity
  • Toxicity

Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste is any product labeled: toxic, poison, combustible, corrosive, flammable, or irritant that is disposed of. A typical home can contain an array of household hazardous products for cleaning, painting, beautifying, lubricating, and disinfecting the house, yard, workshop and garage. The health and safety of our families, neighborhoods and environment is threatened when household hazardous waste is stored or disposed of improperly. Some products that can be considered HHW are:

  • Gasoline
  • Nail polish
  • Propane Tanks
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Fertilizer
  • Varnish
  • Transmission fluid
  • Spot remover
  • Toxic or Caustic Household Cleaners
  • Garden Pesticides
  • Wood Preservatives
  • Paint Stripper
  • Brake Fluid 
  • Thermostats
  • Oven cleaners
  • Herbicides
  • Old Paint
  • Tar

The Household Hazardous Waste Program is managed by the Fresno County Public Works Department. For more information on Household Hazardous Waste visit the Public Works and Planning Household Hazardous Waste Page or call the Resource Division at (559) 600-4259.


For more information regarding the Hazardous Waste Generator Program, please contact the Fresno County HazMat Program at (559)600-3271 or email at: HazMatCUPA@fresnocountyca.gov