Guide for Reuse, Repair, Recycling, and Safe Disposal
for Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the City of Palo Alto

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Paint

Paints and paint-related products contain hazardous chemicals and should never be poured down the drain or thrown in the garbage.

Reuse

  • Offer paint to community members to use before taking it for recycling through reuse groups like Facebook Buy Nothing in your city, Craigslist, FreeCycle, or NextDoor.
  • Most HHW Facilities have Swap Sheds to pick up good condition paints that are free to use during open Swap Shed hours.
  • Habitat For Humanity's ReStore's sell the recycled interior and exterior paints that Visions creates in contemporary colors collected by PaintCare partners.

Disposal Options:

  • Many paint and hardware stores accept “architectural paints” such as house paint and primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings (e.g., shellac and varnish) for recycling for Free. Visit PaintCare Inc. for a list of disposal locations.
  • Paint and paint-related products can be disposed of at Hazardous Waste Facilities in

​Special Instructions:

  • Dispose of dry and empty paint cans with the lids off in a recycling bin.
  • Hazardous Waste Facilities accept: oil-based paint, water-based paint, latex paint, spray paint, stains, varnish, thinner, remover, and adhesives.

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Brought to you by A public agency reducing waste in Alameda County since 1976.