Banned Materials

fluorescent bulbs and tubes

Fluorescent tubes and bulbs are among the items that must be separated from your trash and brought to the Recycling Center at the Landfill.

What to Do with Materials Banned from the Landfill

The Mariposa County Public Works (MCPW) reminds residents that numerous products contain hazardous materials that could potentially pollute the air, water or soil or put garbage handlers at risk and so cannot be disposed of in the Landfill. Instead, they should be separated from household trash and brought to the Landfill, Compost Facility and Recycling Center at 5593 Highway 49 North for proper management.

Prohibited items that can be brought in for free recycling by residential customers only are: 

  • All types of household batteries
  • Answering machines
  • Cell phones
  • Computer monitors
  • Computers
  • Concrete, asphalt and bricks less than 12 inches in diameter (no rebar)
  • Empty propane tanks with the valves removed
  • Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
  • Home printers and copiers
  • iPods
  • Laptops and televisions less than 36 inches on the diagonal
  • Mercury thermostats
  • Pagers
  • PDAs
  • Radios
  • Stereos
  • Used uncontaminated motor oil and filters
  • VCRs
  • Vehicle batteries

Special Handling Costs

A small fee is charged to cover special handling costs associated with other types of materials banned from the Landfill. These include refrigerators; appliances; tires; business-size copiers and printers; computer monitors, laptops and televisions with screens 36 inches or greater on the diagonal; concrete, asphalt and bricks more than 12 inches in diameter with or without rebar; and manure, yard waste and other organic materials.

State law also forbids the disposal of sharps (needles and lancets used for medicinal purposes) in landfills. Used sharps are a potential hazard to garbage handlers, who are at risk of disease from needle sticks. Sharps should be placed in a sturdy container with a screw-top lid, such as a 2-liter soda bottle or bleach bottle. When the bottle is two-thirds full, the lid should be tightly fastened and sealed with duct tape. After a yellow warning label (available free of charge at the Recycling Center) has been attached to the side of the container, it can be brought to the Landfill for proper management.

Business Recycling

In addition to the residential recycling program, MCPW has established a business program that provides a cost effective way for businesses to properly handle similar kinds of items. Businesses are asked to call for an appointment so that staff is available. A minimal fee reflecting the direct vendor costs will be charged.