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How to dispose of paint in Los Angeles County

Leftover paint can't go in the trash in California. Here's where it goes — and why junk haulers like Rigo can't take it.

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Leftover paint cans

Why paint is special

In California, leftover paint, stains and solvents are household hazardous waste. They can't go in your trash or recycling bin, and haulers need a state hazardous-waste registration to transport other people's paint. That's why Rigo leaves the paint and takes everything else.

Option 1: a paint drop-off site

California's paint stewardship program (PaintCare) has drop-off sites, many of them at paint and hardware stores, that accept leftover house paint in its original container. Look up the closest site and the accepted products on the program's website.

Option 2: LA County S.A.F.E. centers and events

Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles run free household hazardous waste drop-offs (S.A.F.E. centers and collection events) for paint, solvents, oil, batteries and more. Check days and hours before you go.

Option 3: your city's recycling center

Some cities, including Burbank, accept certain household hazardous waste at their recycling center. Call or check the city's website first.

Then clear the rest

Once the paint is gone, the rest of the garage is easy: Rigo hauls shelves, boxes, old tools and furniture, and sweeps when he's done.

Questions people ask.

Can I throw dried paint in the trash?

Rules depend on the product and your city. The safe choice is a paint drop-off site or a S.A.F.E. center.

Will Rigo take paint cans?

No. Paint is hazardous waste; Rigo can tell you the closest drop-off and haul everything else.

Text Rigo.

The fastest way is a text with a photo. A call, email or WhatsApp work too, in English or Spanish.

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