Paint Management
California’s Paint Stewardship Program ensures leftover paint is reused, recycled, or properly disposed. CalRecycle oversees the program, which is run by PaintCare, the nonprofit stewardship organization created by paint manufacturers.
Program News
- The Paint Product Recovery Program has a new reporting requirement. Stewardship organizations must provide specific information regarding the businesses participating in the stewardship organization’s approved program. CalRecycle has provided written notification of this requirement to known stewardship organizations. If you have not received the notification, have questions, or would like to request the notification, send your inquiry to paintenforcement@calrecycle.ca.gov.
Read about the Paint law and regulations.
PaintCare
PaintCare is required to submit:
- A plan that describes how it will run the program.
- Annual reports summarizing program activities for each year.
Where Do I Recycle Paint?
Find a Drop-Off Site Near You
PaintCare’s site locator tool can help you find a paint drop-off site near you.
Paint Stewardship Program Products
Architectural paint products sold in containers of five gallons or less can be dropped-off at many retail and other collection sites throughout California.
Empty Paint Cans and Non-Program Products
Aerosol paint and empty paint containers are not part of PaintCare’s program. Contact your city, county, or solid waste provider to find out how to recycle aerosol paint and empty paint containers in your area. For more information on the disposal of aerosol containers, see the Department of Toxic Substances Control website.
2023 Program Highlights
Paint Drop-Off
Sites
%
of Californians live within 15 miles of a site
Annual Paint Processed
gallons
%
reused, recycled, or used for a purpose other than landfill disposal
Paint Collected Since 2012
million gallons
tons of paint cans recycled
Paint Stewardship Information
Questions and Answers About Paint Management
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Is leftover paint a hazardous waste?
Yes. Oil-based paint waste is hazardous and latex paint waste is presumed hazardous in California.
How do I dispose of my paint and paint container?
Empty paint containers should be recycled or sent to an appropriate solid waste facility. Non-empty paint containers need to be taken to a paint drop-off site or otherwise safely disposed. Contact your city or county recycling coordinator or solid waste service provider if you have questions about what can be disposed in your curbside bins.
Can I dump leftover paint down the drain?
No. Paint is prohibited from disposal on land or waters and must be recycled, or otherwise safely disposed in California. For information on where to drop–off leftover paint, please visit PaintCare’s Drop-Off Site Locator.
How do I clean my dirty paint brushes?
Some paint brushes used for latex paint might be okay to be rinsed in a sink connected to the sewer. Other types of paint, such as oil-based paint, or cleaning solvents used to clean brushes may harm the environment if rinsed down the drain, so the rinse water should be collected and disposed of at an authorized hazardous waste facility. It is your responsibility to determine if your rinse water is a hazardous waste.
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Should I dry my leftover paint and put it in the trash?
Intentionally drying paint without a permit to treat hazardous waste is prohibited in California. Leftover paint, including dried paint, should be taken to a paint drop-off location.
How much paint do I need for my project?
You can use PaintCare’s Paint Smarter Tool to determine how much paint is needed for a project, and to find tips to store and use leftover paint.
Is paint recyclable?
Yes. Paint is recycled back into paint, retaining wall blocks, landscape stones, parking stops, and other products.
This page is not intended to provide legal determinations or contain a comprehensive list of legal requirements. The Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) regulates hazardous waste in California. Any questions about hazardous waste management may be directed to DTSC at RAO@dtsc.ca.gov or (800) 728-6942.
For more information contact: paint@calrecycle.ca.gov.