Paint Illegal in Garbage & Drains Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Do not put liquid paint in the trash. If there is a small amount of paint residue and is completely dried up, you can put the can in the trash. We recommend that you remove the lid so your waste hauler can see if the cans are empty or dry. Donation Options1. Donate it to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore if the paint is newer and at least half a can remains. 2. Contact a local theater department, school or beautification organization to see if they could use your leftover paint. 3. Offer up to any of the local Buy Nothing chapters or neighbors. Recycling Options1. Paint can be returned to participating PaintCare locations. There are several partners in our area. Find PaintCare drop-off locations here. Newer and older paint are both accepted. The paint can must have the original manufacturer’s label and be able to seal without leaking. Check out this list of what’s accepted at participating PaintCare locations. 2. S.A.F.E. Collection Centers accept all types of paint. Businesses that want to dispose of paint at S.A.F.E. Collection Centers are charged $10 per gallon and must make an appointment for the last Wednesday of the month in Sun Valley. Call (213) 485-2260. 3. Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste Roundups will accept paint and paint-related products from Burbank residents. These usually take place in August or September. Keep an eye on the LA Sanitation Event Calendar for details. 4. Acrylatex1000 W. Kirkwall Rd, Azusa | (626) 812-0191Map & DirectionsAccepts latex paint – it is used in their recycled paint line. $2 charge per gallon. They offer pickup for $75. Reduce and Reuse Many paint stores have “mistakes” that are offered for a steep discount called mistints. If your project palete is flexible, this might be a great option to save money or experiment. You’ve also used up a new paint that might have otherwise been disposed. Paintcare “Use it Up” Tips: https://www.paintcare.org/paint-smarter/#/use-it-up Never Dump Down the Drain Dispose of oil- or water-based paint as Household Hazardous Waste. Never dump paint down the drain because it can contaminate lakes and rivers. Recycle for Free With PaintCare Recycle your unwanted house paint, primer, stain, or varnish for free at a PaintCare drop-off location. Both latex and oil-based products are accepted. All locations accept up to five gallons per visit (some take more). Paint containers should be five gallons in size or smaller and have original labels. No leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers. Spray paint is not accepted. For a list of products accepted for recycling or to find a drop-off location, visit PaintCare’s website. Throw Away Empty Cans Let empty paint cans dry out before disposing of them. Then, throw them in the trash without the lid, in order to show that the can is empty. Did You Know? We All Buy Too Much Paint Leftover paint is the single largest waste stream that local HHW programs find themselves managing. According to the EPA, approximately 10 percent of all paint sold each year will not be used.
