Solana Beach residents holding piles of used sandbags have official guidance on what to do with them.

The city posted disposal instructions covering five options for handling sandbags left over from recent storms, including a Super El Niño season and a recent cyclone. The city does not accept used sandbags back.

Keep them. With more storms possible, the city recommends storing sandbags for future use. Filled bags should contain clean, dry sand and be kept in a covered, above-ground spot out of direct sunlight.

Spread the sand. Bags that were not exposed to sewage, chemicals or petroleum products can be emptied into garden soil, planters or flowerbeds. Sand should never be dumped into streets, gutters, storm drains or onto the beach.

Trash the empties. Empty sandbag fabric goes in the regular trash, not the recycling bin. The city warns against leaving worn bags exposed to sunlight, which can release microplastics.

Haul bags to a landfill. Full sandbags should not go in curbside trash carts or dumpsters. Four San Diego County landfills accept empty or filled sandbags that cannot be reused: Miramar, Sycamore, Otay and Borrego Springs.

Handle contaminated bags carefully. Sandbags exposed to floodwater, sewage, chemicals or petroleum products require protective gloves and eyewear. They should not be emptied into the environment. The city says residents can bring contaminated bags to a household hazardous waste facility or arrange disposal through a hazardous waste contractor. The city recommends contacting the facility beforehand, since additional protocols or documentation may be required.

Two regional HHW drop-off sites serve Solana Beach residents at no charge: one in Vista at 1145 East Taylor Street and one in Poway at 12325 Crosthwaite Circle. Both are open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except holiday weekends. Proof of residency is required, and drop-offs are limited to 125 pounds.

Residents who cannot make the trip can schedule a home pickup by calling 800-714-1195. The service costs $10, though residents age 65 and older pay nothing.

For emergency updates in English and Spanish, the city directs residents to AlertSanDiego.org and the SD Emergency app.