Paint Disposal

It’s more convenient than ever to recycle paint in California. Since the start of the California paint stewardship program in October 2012, PaintCare has set up 788 drop-off sites in California where the public can take unwanted, leftover paint for recycling.

Most of these sites are at paint retailers (paint, hardware, and home improvement stores) that have volunteered to take back paint, and they are available to any household and business in California. These stores accept paint whenever they are open for business.  PaintCare Drop-Off Sites: https://www.paintcare.org/drop-off-locations/#/find-a-drop-off-site

Local Paint Disposal Sites located below.

Other Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Acceptable Materials For Proper Disposal

  • Automotive fluids (antifreeze, motor oil)
  • Batteries (home & car)
  • Cooking Oil
  • Cosmetics
  • E-Waste (televisions, computers, printers, etc.)
  • Fertilizers and Pesticides
  • Fuels
  • Herbicides
  • Household cleaners
  • Medicines
  • Paint products
  • Polishes and waxes
  • Pool and spa chemicals
  • Propane barbecues tanks
  • Unused road flares

Do NOT Bring

  • Ammunition and explosives
  • Asbestos
  • Biological materials
  • Business-generated materials
  • Compressed gas cylinders
  • Radioactive materials

Resident Disposal Rules

  • Transport Limit – A maximum of 15 gallons or 125 pounds may be transported per vehicle, per trip.
  • Original Containers – Materials should be in original containers, except motor oil, fuels and antifreeze.
  • Seal it up – Place your items in a sturdy box, preferably in their original, labeled containers. All containers should have lids, not leak and be protected from breakage.
  • Keep it Simple – Do not combine types of waste, or mix oil-based paint with latex paint.
  • Be Sure to Ask -If you want a container returned, like oil containers and boxes or crates used to transport materials, please notify the collection attendant in advance. Some containers may not be returnable.

Local Paint and Hazardous Material Disposal Locations

Big Bear Lake
San Bernardino County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program - Big Bear Lake Public Service Yard
42040 Garstin Drive
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (weather permitting)
Also accepts sharps

San Bernardino
San Bernardino County Fire Department, Household Hazardous Waste Division
2824 East W Street, Bldg 302 (San Bernardino International Airport)
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 382-5401
Monday - Friday 9 am to 4 pm
Also accepts e-waste and sharps

Other San Bernardino County collection facilities: http://www.sbcfire.org/ofm/hhw/CollectionFacilities.aspx

Call 909.382.5401 or 1.800.OILY.CAT (645.9228) to verify operating hours prior to visiting a collection center.