If you have old paint you need to get rid of, it’s important to know how to dispose of paint in California. Several states around the country have hazardous waste laws, but California’s are the strictest. Paint is a hazardous material, which means you’ll need to follow the right steps to properly get rid of it.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to dispose of paint in California the right way!
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How to Dispose of Paint in California
Whether oil-based or water-based, paint is considered a hazardous material. This means that you can’t just dump it down the drain or throw it away with the rest of your garbage. California has strict laws about paint disposal. These laws are meant to protect both the environment and ensure the proper disposal of paint.
Where to Dispose of Paint in California
As part of its Paint Stewardship Program, California offers several options statewide for disposing of your paint. Here’s a list of where and how to dispose of paint in California:
- PaintCare drop-off locations: PaintCare is a non-profit organization managing leftover paint nationwide. California partners with PaintCare to create dropoff locations at participating retail stores across the state. You can visit the PaintCare website to find drop-off locations near you.
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities: Many counties and cities in California operate HHW facilities where you can drop off paint and other hazardous materials. The city of Sacramento operates five HHW facilities where you can dispose of your old paint for free.
- Special waste collection events: PaintCare hosts paint collection events throughout the year. These events offer an easy way to properly dispose of your old paint.
Paint Recycling in Sacramento
Recycling paint helps reduce waste, save resources, and protect the environment. Paint can be recycled into new paint, retaining wall blocks, landscape stones, parking stops, and more! The city of Sacramento offers several locations where you can take your old paint to be recycled.
Paint recycling in Sacramento can be done at any PaintCare drop-off location, including Sherwin-Williams, Kelly-Moore Paints, Dunn-Edwards, and Visions Paint Recycling. Additionally, you can take old paint to HHW facilities in Sacramento for recycling. The City of Sacramento Special Waste Collection Center also accepts paint for recycling.
Disposing of Water-Based Latex Paint
In other states, you can dispose of water-based latex paints by drying them out before throwing them away with other solid waste. However, this is illegal in California. To comply with the law, knowing how to dispose of paint in California is important.
When it comes to water-based latex paint, California classifies it as presumed hazardous. Because of this, you’ll need to take your old latex paint to a PaintCare or HHW site for disposal.
Disposing of Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is considered a hazardous material, which means it requires careful handling. Do not throw old oil-based paint in the trash can or dump it down the drain. Oil-based paint contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Instead, use up as much as you can before taking it to a PaintCare site or your nearest HHW collection facility.
Disposing of Empty Paint Cans in California
Now that you know how to dispose of paint in California, you might be wondering how to handle empty paint cans. When it comes to empty latex paint cans, you can either throw them out in your solid waste container or recycling bin, depending on your local regulations.
Oil-based paint cans can also be thrown out or recycled, as long as they are completely empty. If there is any amount of paint left over, you’ll need to take it to a local Household Hazardous Waste facility or PaintCare drop-off.
Some tips for disposing of empty paint cans in California:
- Always remove the lid to make sure the paint can is completely empty.
- Make sure the labels are intact. Most facilities won’t accept unlabeled paint cans.
How Long Can You Store Paint?
While paint can last a long time, it does have a shelf life. Proper storage will ensure it lasts longer, but even still, paint will eventually go bad. The storage life of paint depends on the type and how it’s stored. Here’s a general guide:
- Water-based latex paint:
- Unopened latex paint can last up to 10 years when properly stored.
- After opening, latex paint can last for up to 2 years.
- Oil-based paint:
- Unopened oil-based paint can last up to 15 years when properly stored.
- After opening, oil-based paint can last for up to 10 years, as long as it’s properly sealed.
Does Paint Go Bad?
Yes, paint can go bad over time, especially if it isn’t stored properly. In order to last, paint needs to be sealed and kept away from extreme temperatures. Paint that has gone bad will crack or provide an uneven finish and should be properly disposed of. Before using stored paint, you should test it to make sure it’s still good. Stir the paint to make sure it mixes smoothly, then test it on a small surface, such as a piece of cardboard or hidden area.
Here are some signs your paint has gone bad:
- Smell: If the paint smells bad, like rotten eggs or sour milk, it has probably gone bad. Fresh paint usually has a mild chemical odor.
- Lumpy texture: Paint should have a smooth texture when stirred. If your paint has a thick, lumpy consistency that doesn’t smooth out when stirred, it has likely expired.
- Skin formation: If your paint has a skin forming on the surface, the paint has started to dry out and may be bad. If the paint beneath is smooth, you can use it, but should discard the skin.
Some factors that cause paint to go bad include:
- Exposure to air: If the lid isn’t sealed tightly, air can get in and dry out the paint.
- Freezing: Water-based paint can freeze. Repeated freezing and thawing can ruin the paint, causing it to become lumpy.
- High heat: Excessive heat can also degrade paint, causing it to dry out or separate.
- Moisture: Storing paint in a damp environment allows rust to form on metal cans, which can contaminate the paint inside.
- Time: Over time, the chemical composition of paint breaks down. Even sealed paint kept in a temperature controlled space will eventually break down.
Where to Store Paint
To make your paint last as long as possible, you need to store it away from moisture, heat, and cold. You may be tempted to keep it in the garage, but both the summer heat and cold of winter can cause issues with your stored paint. Instead, follow these steps for storing unused paint:
- Seal the lid tightly after opening to prevent air from entering the can.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep it off the floor to prevent rust. Use a shelf or place the paint cans on a piece of wood or cardboard.
- Label the can with the date of purchase and the room or project where it was used.
If stored correctly, your paint can last for years, saving you money and reducing waste.
How to Dispose of Paint in California Conclusion
Whether you’re getting rid of oil-based or latex paint, you can follow the same steps to dispose of paint in California. All you need to do is look up a nearby PaintCare drop-off site or Household Hazardous Waste facility and take your paint there. You can make your paint last longer by sealing the cans properly and keeping them away from extreme temperatures and moisture.
If you have any other questions about how to dispose of paint in California or need an estimate, contact DL Painting today. We take pride in our work and can help transform your interior, exterior, or kitchen!
