As you are Cleaning out your house or garage, you may uncover some old or unwanted paint. Many people might not know that you cannot simply throw old paint cans in the garbage for city waste disposal pickup. Leftover unwanted paint is dangerous to the environment if spilled and leaked onto the ground, and therefore, there are proper procedures to follow to get rid of those old cans of paint. San Diego Junk Removal Authority does not remove hazardous materials from homes or businesses, including old unwanted paint cans. However, you can follow this guide to help you properly dispose of your old paint.

Oil-Based or Water-Based Paint?

First, determine what kind of paint you need to dispose of. Oil-based paint is not recyclable and requires a separate process to dispose of. Water-based paints like latex and acrylic are recyclable. Latex paint is not considered hazardous material and is much easier to work with

What Do I Do With Leftover Unwanted Paint?

You have a few options. Paint lasts a long time and if stored properly can last around ten years. Many people opt to keep their leftover paint for touch-ups or additional projects around the house. However, if you are moving, don’t like the color, or there is some other reason for wanting to dispose of the paint you have some other options.

Paint recycling Center – Paintcare.org utilizes GPS to locate several drop-off locations in the San Diego area where you can drop off your used paint.

Habitat for Humanity  – accepts donations of many different kinds of household goods, furniture, and supplies.

If these options suit your needs or are not an option for you, there are still further paint disposal options to choose from!

Take your Old Paint to HHW Program

The City of San Diego accepts paint, along with other household hazardous waste, on Saturday’s from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at no charge at the City’s HHW Transfer Facility located at the entrance of the Miramar Landfill, Convoy Street.

Dry Out the Paint

Many states allow you to throw your paint in the garbage once it is completely dried out. However, California does not. There are serval ways to dry out a can of paint.

Air Dry – If the can only have a little bit left in the bottom, pop the top off and let it sit exposed to the air, and sun for a while and let the paint dry itself out.

Kitty Litter – If you have a can of paint with quite a bit of paint left in it you can always opt for the kitty litter option. Adding kitty litter to the paint will harden the paint and dry the paint out.

Paint Hardener – Hardware stores also sell a product that specifically hardens the unwanted paint so that you can throw it out.

San Diego Junk Removal Authority

San Diego Junk Removal Authority is happy to serve the San Diego area with all of your junk removal needs. We are fully equipped to remove your junk from your home or business and get your back to junk-free living and working. However, San Diego Junk Removal Authority does not remove any hazardous materials from homes or businesses. We hope that you found this guide helpful and hope that we can help you with your junk removal needs.