A Small Business Guide to Hazardous Waste Disposal in the San Francisco Bay Area

August 25, 2025

Running a small business in the San Francisco Bay Area comes with unique environmental responsibilities, especially when it comes to disposing of hazardous waste materials. Whether you operate a retail store, restaurant, auto repair shop, or office, chances are you generate some form of hazardous waste that requires special handling. Proper disposal isn't just good environmental stewardship—it's the law.

At Quick Light Recycling, we understand the challenges small businesses face in managing hazardous waste responsibly while staying compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. This comprehensive guide will help you identify common hazardous wastes, understand your legal obligations, and find the right disposal solutions for your business.

Understanding Hazardous Waste: What Makes It Dangerous?

Hazardous waste is defined as any discarded material that poses a threat to human health or the environment due to its chemical properties. The EPA classifies hazardous waste into four categories based on these characteristics:

Ignitable Wastes (D001): Materials that can easily catch fire, such as solvents, oil-based paints, and cleaning agents with low flash points.

Corrosive Wastes (D002): Materials that can eat through metal containers or cause severe burns to skin, including acids and bases used in cleaning and maintenance.

Reactive Wastes (D003): Materials that are unstable and can explode or produce toxic gases, such as certain pesticides and chemicals that react violently with water.

Toxic Wastes (D004-D043): Materials containing harmful levels of specific toxic substances, including heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium found in certain paints and electronic components.

Most Common Hazardous Wastes Generated by Small Businesses

Small businesses across the Bay Area typically generate several types of hazardous waste in their daily operations:

Paint and Paint-Related Products

• Oil-based paints and stains: Contain solvents and heavy metals that make them ignitable and potentially toxic

• Paint thinners and solvents: Including toluene, xylene, and MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)

• Paint strippers and removers: Often contain methylene chloride and other hazardous chemicals

• Spray paint cans: Even empty cans can be hazardous due to residual contents and propellants

  
  

Automotive and Mechanical Fluids

• Used motor oil and hydraulic fluids: While recyclable, these must be handled as hazardous waste

• Antifreeze and coolants: Contain ethylene glycol, which is toxic

• Brake fluid and transmission fluid: Contain corrosive and toxic compounds

• Automotive solvents: Used for degreasing and parts cleaning

  
  

Cleaning Products and Solvents

• Industrial degreasers: Often contain chlorinated solvents

• Rust removers and metal cleaners: Typically acidic and corrosive

• Commercial-strength disinfectants: May contain toxic ingredients

• Oven and drain cleaners: Usually highly corrosive

  
  

Pesticides and Herbicides

• Insecticides and rodenticides: Designed to be toxic to pests

• Weed killers and fungicides: Often contain harmful chemicals

• Mothballs and pest control products: Contain toxic substances

  
  

Electronic and Universal Wastes

• Fluorescent bulbs and CFLs: Contain mercury

• Batteries: Lead-acid, lithium, and other types contain hazardous materials

• Electronic equipment: Computers, monitors, and other devices contain heavy metals

• Mercury-containing devices: Thermostats and switches

  
  

Laboratory and Medical Wastes

• Chemical reagents: Used in testing and analysis

• Contaminated materials: Including gloves, wipes, and containers

• Photographic chemicals: From film processing operations

  
  

Your Business Classification: Understanding Generator Categories

The amount of hazardous waste your business generates each month determines which regulations apply to you and what disposal options are available. In California, businesses are classified into three categories:

Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs)

Qualifications: Generate less than 220 pounds (27 gallons) of most hazardous waste per month, less than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste per month, and less than 110 pounds of perchloroethylene waste per month.

Requirements:

• Must identify all hazardous waste generated

• Must ensure waste goes to authorized disposal facilities

• Can store up to 2,200 pounds on-site at any time

• Must obtain an EPA Identification Number

  
  

Small Quantity Generators (SQGs)

Qualifications: Generate between 220-2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month.

Additional Requirements:

• Can accumulate waste on-site for up to 180 days (270 days if shipping over 200 miles)

• Must use hazardous waste manifests

• Must have emergency response procedures

• Require more detailed record-keeping

  
  

Large Quantity Generators (LQGs)

Qualifications: Generate more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month.

Extensive Requirements: Include detailed contingency plans, personnel training, additional permits, and biennial reporting.

Most small businesses in the Bay Area qualify as VSQGs, which provides access to simplified disposal programs and reduced regulatory burden.

Disposal Options for San Francisco Bay Area Small Businesses

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Programs

For businesses generating small amounts of hazardous waste, several Bay Area counties offer cost-effective disposal programs:

San Francisco VSQG Program

San Francisco businesses generating less than 220 pounds or 27 gallons of hazardous waste per month can use the city's subsidized Very Small Quantity Generator program through Recology. The program is available by appointment only on two Wednesdays per month.

Requirements:

• EPA Identification Number (call Recology at 415-330-1425 for assistance)

• Appointment scheduling by calling 415-330-1425

• Complete waste inventory documentation

• Disposal fees vary by type and volume

Location: SF Transfer Station & Hazardous Waste Facility, with a minimum disposal fee of $60 per load and a limit of 15 gallons of paint, oil, and other household chemicals for residents, and 27 gallons for qualifying businesses.

Other Bay Area Counties

Central Contra Costa counties (including Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and others) offer similar VSQG programs with state law limits of 27 gallons or 220 pounds per month. Santa Clara County provides VSQG services at both San Jose and San Martin facilities, requiring an EPA Identification Number and completed inventory sheet.

Household Hazardous Waste Facilities

Some Bay Area facilities accept small quantities of business waste alongside household hazardous waste, though restrictions may apply. San Francisco residents can drop off up to 10 gallons of used cooking oil and other materials at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Private Hazardous Waste Companies

For larger quantities or specialized waste streams, businesses can contract with licensed hazardous waste transportation and disposal companies. These services are more expensive but offer flexibility in scheduling and can handle larger volumes.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

Federal Regulations

Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), all hazardous waste generators must identify their waste, count monthly generation, notify EPA (or state agencies), properly manage waste on-site, and ensure proper transportation and disposal.

California State Requirements

California's Hazardous Waste Control Law requires generators to comply with state regulations found in the California Health and Safety Code and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. All generators must report their hazardous waste activities using the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS).

San Francisco Local Requirements

Businesses that work with hazardous materials must register with the San Francisco Department of Public Health Environmental Health Branch. The city also has specific requirements for certain waste streams and may conduct inspections to ensure compliance.

Key Compliance Steps

1. Obtain EPA Identification Number: All VSQG program participants must have an EPA ID number, which can often be assigned over the phone by calling the California Department of Toxic Substances Control at 1-800-618-6942.

2. Proper Waste Identification: Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals and properly characterize waste streams.

3. Appropriate Storage: Store materials upright in vehicles, prop them to prevent tipping, and transport in trunk or truck bed away from passenger areas.

4. Documentation: Retain completed, signed Waste Inventory and Certification Forms for a minimum of three years to document proper disposal.

5. Transportation Requirements: Larger generators must use California Registered Hazardous Waste Transporters and complete Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest forms.

   
   

Best Practices for Small Businesses

Waste Minimization

• Purchase only what you need and use products completely

• Choose less toxic alternatives when possible

• Implement inventory management to prevent expiration

• Train employees on proper use to reduce waste generation

  
  

Storage Safety

• Keep containers tightly sealed and properly labeled

• Store incompatible materials separately

• Maintain secondary containment for liquids

• Keep storage areas well-ventilated and away from heat sources

  
  

Record Keeping

• Maintain detailed inventory of all hazardous materials

• Document waste generation rates monthly

• Keep disposal receipts and manifests

• Track EPA ID numbers and disposal facility information

  
  

Employee Training

• Ensure staff can identify hazardous materials

• Train on proper handling and storage procedures

• Establish emergency response procedures

• Regularly review and update safety protocols

  
  

Online Resources

• California Department of Toxic Substances Control: dtsc.ca.gov

• EPA Hazardous Waste Generators: epa.gov/hwgenerators

• SF Environment Department: sfenvironment.org

• California Environmental Reporting System (CERS): cers.calepa.ca.gov

  
  

Conclusion

Proper hazardous waste disposal is both a legal requirement and an environmental responsibility for Bay Area small businesses. While the regulations may seem complex, most small businesses qualify for simplified disposal programs that make compliance both manageable and affordable.

The key is to start by accurately identifying and quantifying your waste streams, obtain the necessary EPA identification number, and establish relationships with appropriate disposal services. Regular monitoring of your generation rates and maintaining proper documentation will help ensure ongoing compliance.

At Quick Light Recycling, we're committed to helping Bay Area businesses navigate these requirements responsibly. By understanding your obligations and taking advantage of available programs, you can protect your business, your community, and the environment while focusing on what you do best—running your business.

Remember, when in doubt, consult with environmental professionals or contact the appropriate regulatory agencies. The cost of proper disposal is always less than the cost of non-compliance, and taking the right steps from the beginning will save you time, money, and potential legal issues down the road.