⚡ A guide to San Diego's universal waste laws: e‑waste, batteries & fluorescent bulbs

California strict regulations · keep hazardous materials out of our environment

California’s Universal Waste Regulations (22 CCR 66273) classify certain household items as hazardous due to their toxic components. In San Diego, old TVs, computers, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs cannot go in the regular trash — they must be recycled or disposed of at certified facilities. For bulky items like furniture that may contain electronics, furniture removal services often coordinate proper recycling. Save our GMB for nearby drop‑off centers.

E‑waste (TVs, computers)

CRT monitors contain 4–8 lbs of lead. Circuit boards have mercury, cadmium. Banned from landfills statewide.

CA Health & Safety Code § 25214.9

Batteries

Lithium, Ni‑Cd, lead‑acid — can cause fires in trucks/landfills. Must be recycled at authorized centers.

Universal Waste rule

Fluorescent bulbs

CFLs and tubes contain mercury vapor. Even small breaks release toxin. Recycle at Home Depot, Batteries+, or city HHW.

DTSC certified

Why California’s laws are so strict

San Diego’s environment — coastal waters, desert ecosystems, and urban areas — is vulnerable to toxic leaching. When e‑waste, batteries, or bulbs break down in landfills, they release:

Lead & mercury — contaminate groundwater and harm marine life.
Cadmium & lithium — toxic to humans and animals.
Flame retardants — persistent organic pollutants.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) enforces universal waste recycling to keep these materials out of the environment.

San Diego disposal options

Miramar Greenery & Recycling: Accepts e‑waste, batteries, bulbs (San Diego residents).
Retail take‑back: Best Buy, Staples, Lowe’s, Home Depot — free recycling for many items.
HHW Collection: County of San Diego holds events; GMB map has locations.
Batteries+ — accepts all battery types and bulbs.

What about furniture with electronics?

Some furniture (desks with built‑in chargers, massage chairs) contains batteries or wiring. Before disposal, separate electronic components. furniture removal professionals can help identify and divert these items.

Environmental benefit

Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,500 U.S. homes in a year. Proper battery recycling prevents fires and recovers lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

For a complete list of certified recyclers in San Diego, save our GMB map — updated with 2025 HHW events.