How do I properly dispose of paint?

Created by Mayor's Office Intern, Modified on Mon, 20 Mar, 2023 at 12:16 PM by Mayor's Office Intern

1) Outdoor Supply Hardware Information:

Not Accepted:

Accepted:

Note: Cannot be empty, without the original label, or leaking

Stains
Primer, Sealer, Undercoating
Deck coatings and floor paints (can be with elastomeric)
Shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (one component)
Waterproofing concrete/stone/wood sealers and repellents (no tar or bitumen-based, see the not accepted)
Metal coatings, Rust preventing coatings
Field and lawn paints
Interior and exterior paints: latex, acrylic, water based, alkyd, oil based, enamel, and textured coatings

2) PaintCare Recycling Program: (resource from City website on ESD page ) (The accepted/not accepted list is the same as Outdoor Supply Hardware)

3) Santa Clara County Program for Household Hazardous Waste: (takes paint, paint thinner, and all toxic, hazardous paint-related products)

Safety Guidelines:

Face coverings will be worn by all staff and will be required for all residents dropping off waste. Please note, residents may be turned away if they arrive without a face covering.
For the safety and well being of the public and our staff, have all of the waste in the rear of the vehicle and not in the passenger areas. For regular vehicles place the waste in the trunk, for trucks place the waste in the bed and for SUVs/hatchbacks place the waste at the rear of the vehicle.
- Do not have any non-waste items in or around the waste in order for the waste being disposed to be easily identifiable.
- Have the waste in disposable containers as no containers will be returned (totes, boxes, crates, etc…).

HHW drop-off Locations:

Site addresses and directions to the facilities are only made available to residents at time-of-appointment
Must make a appointment by calling (408) 299-7300 or at this website: https://eservices.sccgov.org/HHWAppointment/Home/EventsList
Use this Schedule https://hhw.sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb1136/files/documents/Operating%20Schedule_1.pdf

4) Link to Recycling Guide for San Jose: https://sanjoserecycles.org/guide/paint/

What Paint Can Be Recycled/ Put in Garbage (In your home recycling bin)?

Recycle empty paint cans. Residual paint must be dry and the lid must be removed. All other paint, including spray paint, is hazardous waste and can be disposed of for free through the County Household Hazardous Waste Program.
Dried latex paint, dry brushes and rollers is OK to place in the garbage.
Wet brushes and rollers are hazardous waste.