Hazardous Waste Disposal and
Recycling for Small Businesses
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 If your San Francisco business generates a small amount of hazardous waste, you might find it difficult and expensive to properly dispose of it. The City sponsors a solution which saves small businesses money on disposal costs. To use the "Very Small Quantity Generators" (VSQGs) Drop-Off Program, you make an appointment to transport your own waste to the San Francisco Household Hazardous Waste Facility (operated by SF Recycling & Disposal, Inc.).
Who Qualifies?
Most businesses that generate less than 100 kilograms (220
pounds or about 27 gallons) of hazardous waste per month are called VSQGs.
They are also called Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators. The
most common VSQGs in San Francisco are painters, printers, builders, and
apartment house owners and managers, but there are many others. Only San
Francisco VSQGs may use this program. When you call, be ready to describe
the types and amounts of waste your business generates in a typical month.
There are restrictions: a VSQG business can only dispose of 27 gallons of
hazardous waste or one quart of extremely hazardous waste through this
program each month.
Why Does the City Sponsor This Program?
Hazardous waste companies are
usually reluctant to offer services for businesses that produce small
amounts of hazardous waste. The effort and paperwork required for setting up
an account is simply not worthwhile for only a few gallons of waste. Even
when these companies do pick-up small amounts of waste, the high cost can
take you by surprise. You will find that the VSQG program described here is
more affordable than other licensed hazardous waste hauling services.
Know the Law.
You are responsible for knowing your local, state, and
federal hazardous waste regulations. Here are three reminders:
- Accumulation Time. If your business is a VSQG and you have less than 27
gallons of hazardous waste (or less than one quart of extremely hazardous
waste), there is no accumulation time limit. You may store your waste
indefinitely until you accumulate 27 gallons. Once you accumulate 27
gallons, you must send your waste off-site to a licensed facility within 90
days (or within one year if you don't accumulate more than 55 gallons.
- EPA ID Numbers. State law requires hazardous waste generators to have an
EPA identification number. For more information about obtaining an EPA ID
number, call Cal-EPA at 800- 618-6942. You do not need an EPA ID number to
use the VSQG Drop-off Program for the first time, but you do need one the
second time.
- Registration. Local and state laws may require you to get a Certificate
of Compliance from the Department of Public Health, Hazardous Materials
Unified Program Agency if you generate, treat, or store certain quantities
of hazardous materials or waste. Call 252-3900 for information.
 VSQG Drop-Off Program
Since 1992, VSQG businesses have been able to use the
drop-off program by making an appointment to take their own waste to the
City's Household Hazardous Waste Facility. This program is operated by SF
Recycling & Disposal, Inc. VSQG Drop-off Days are held two Wednesday's per
month. The number of appointments per month is limited to 60. You may be put
on a waiting list; so, make an appointment as soon as you know you will need
to dispose of hazardous waste. Call 330-1425 for appointments.
Drop-off Costs
Fees for the Drop-off Program depend on the type and amount of waste. These prices are partially subsidized by San Francisco garbage bills.
| Waste Type |
Fee |
| Batteries |
No charge - Amount over 5 gallons, $.50 per Pound |
| Car batteries |
No charge |
| Motor oil |
$0.25 per gallon |
| Fluorescent bulbs and tubes |
First 30 tubes free, $1.00
per tube or bulb if more than 30. |
| Asbestos (in 30 lb. bags) |
$0.25 per pound |
| Lead paint chips |
$0.50 per pound |
| Alkaline batteries |
$0.50 per pound |
| Waste in spray cans |
$1.00 per can |
| Antifreeze |
$1.00 per gallon |
| Paint |
$3.00 per gallon |
| Printing ink |
$4.00 per gallon |
| Solvents |
$4.00 per gallon |
| Compressor oil |
$4.00 per gallon |
| Flammable solids |
$4.00 per gallon |
| Sludges |
$4.00 per gallon |
| Photofixers and developers |
$4.00 per gallon |
| Poisons |
$5.00 per gallon |
| Acids and bases |
$5.00 per gallon |
| Oxidizers |
$6.00 per gallon |
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