LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) will re-open all of seven Solvents Automotive Flammables and Electronic (SAFE) disposal centers across Los Angeles this Saturday, July 11. Extra measures for safety and social distancing have been put in place to ensure that employees and residents are not at risk of contamination from either waste or COVID-19.
“Re-opening the SAFE centers represents a significant milestone in our road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Enrique C. Zaldivar, executive director and general manager of LASAN. “In the early stages of the Safer at Home order, we asked Angelenos to temporarily store their residential hazardous waste and e-waste. Now they can once again safely dispose of any hazardous materials and e-waste they generate.”
The SAFE centers have been closed since March 21, when they were shut in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Mayor Garcetti’s Safer at Home order. Since that time, LASAN staff has been working to develop a set of protocols that will keep both residents and employees safe when people come to drop off their household hazardous waste (HHW).
“We are very confident the new safety procedures will ensure that Angelenos can once again properly and safely dispose of their hazardous waste,” said Marisela Reyes, LASAN Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division Manager.
Before the pandemic, LASAN’s SAFE centers processed 11 million pounds of HHW and e-waste annually. In addition to the expected high demand, extra safety protocols will take additional time. Plan to arrive early and be patient with wait times. Note that face coverings will be mandatory at all times – no exceptions – and legal waste transportation limits still apply. All COVID-19 related safety rules will be posted at each site.
The Playa Del Rey site is located at the Hyperion Safe Center, 7660 West Imperial Hwy. Gate B. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The Central Los Angeles site is located at 4600 Colorado Blvd., and is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sites will accept the following materials:
— Used motor oil and filters
— Paint and solvents
— E-waste: computers, televisions, cell phones, etc.
— Household cleaning products
— Care and household batteries
— Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
— Unused medicine
Weekend SAFE center hours are for household hazardous waste only. For disposal of small business hazardous waste, call to make a weekday appointment at (213) 485-2260. For more information, visit lacitysan.org.
