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Not all items can go into the trash because they may contain hazardous substances that pollute our environment. Here is where you can safely dispose of those items at no cost:

Paint

Leftover paint can be dropped off for free at any local paint store participating in the PaintCare program. PaintCare is an industry-sponsored program established to manage the reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of unused paint. These sites accept program products (primarily latex and oil-based paint) from all residents and certain businesses. For more information and to find nearby San Marcos, Vista, and Escondido locations, visit PaintCare.

Electronic waste (e-waste)

Televisions, computers, cell phones, printers, and other electronic waste can be dropped off for free at EDCO’s Buyback Center, 224 S. Las Posas Road. These items can also often be brought to large electronics retailers, although some of those retailers may charge a fee depending on the item.

Household hazardous waste (HHW)

Household hazardous waste includes materials that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic and have labels reading "caution," "warning," "danger," "poison," "toxic," "flammable," or "corrosive." Examples include paint, household cleaners, pool chemicals, automotive products, and pesticides. These wastes cannot be thrown away in household trash or poured down the sink. The city has contracted with two facilities for proper disposal.

Sharps (home-generated skin-penetrating needles)

Sharps can be dropped off for free at EDCO’s Buyback Center, 224 S. Las Posas Road. Loose sharps are not accepted. Store sharps in approved sharps containers or in a rigid, puncture-resistant, tightly sealed container, such as bleach bottles or coffee cans with lids. Avoid using paper or plastic bags, glass containers, or cardboard.

Fluorescent light bulbs

Most large home improvement stores offer free CFL recycling.

Household batteries

Household batteries can be dropped off for free at EDCO’s Buyback Center, 224 S. Las Posas Road.

Prescriptions and other expired medications

Prescriptions and other expired medications can be dropped off anonymously during weekday business hours in a bin in the lobby of the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station, 182 Santar Place. Learn more.

Fats, oil, and grease (FOG)

Collect discarded FOG in a leak-proof container and drop it off at EDCO's Buyback Center, 224 S. Las Posas Road.

Used motor oil

San Marcos residents can recycle used motor oil free of charge at certified collection centers:

• AutoZone, 195 Rancho Santa Fe Road
• O'Reilly Auto Parts, 225 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road
• Jiffy Lube, 765 W. San Marcos Boulevard
• Jiffy Lube, 218 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road
• Express Tire, 1223 W. San Marcos Boulevard
• EDCO Recycling Center, 224 S. Las Posas Road
• Premier Auto Service, 888 W. San Marcos Boulevard
• Star Auto Haus, 738 W. San Marcos Boulevard

Tires

Residents may take used tires for recycling to Express Tire, 1223 W. San Marcos Boulevard. There is a $3 charge per tire, and they accept up to four tires during business hours. Call (760) 471-1733 for more information.

Plastic bags

Grocery stores and other retailers offer in-store recycling for plastic bags. The city encourages the use of reusable grocery tote bags to reduce the number of plastic bags thrown in the trash.

Carpet

Carpet can be recycled at EDCO's San Marcos Recycling Facility at 224 S. Las Posas Road, Wednesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit EDCO.

Bulky items

Large household items like appliances or furniture can be picked up by special arrangement with EDCO Waste & Recycling. There is a fee for this service. EDCO residential customers in San Marcos also receive two coupons annually for free disposal of one load of bulky items at the Escondido Transfer Station. Contact EDCO at (760) 744-2700 for details.