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.