Get rid of leftover house paint by bringing it to a paint drop-off location in San Francisco.
Find a paint drop-off location near you>
Instructions:
- Call locations first before dropping off paint to confirm they will accept what you are getting rid of
- Most sites will NOT accept more than 5 gallons of paint
- Retail sites can only accept individual paint containers that are 5 gallons or smaller
Paint should never be poured down the drain or disposed of in your recycling, composting, or landfill bins. Paint contains chemicals, which can harm the environment and endanger human health if disposed of improperly.
Retail Drop-Off
Accepted at retail drop-off locations:
- Latex Paint
- Oil-Based Paint
- Varnish, Lacquer, and Shellac
- Wood Finish
Not accepted at retail drop-off locations:
- Spray Paint
- Solvents
- Arts & Craft Paint
- Industrial & Marine Paint
Free Pick-Up or Drop-Off
Instead of dropping off paint at a retail location, all types of paint can be brought to:
San Francisco’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, 501 Tunnel Ave
Or call (415) 330-1405 to schedule a free home pickup.
What about empty containers?
Household chemical containers which are empty, dry, and 5 gallons or smaller can be safely and legally recycled.
- Recycle: Empty cans of aerosol paint and latex paint (acrylic or water-based) may be placed in your blue recycling bin. All nozzles, caps and lids must be removed and placed separately into the blue recycling bin.
- Landfill: Put all other types of empty hazardous waste containers into your black bin for disposal - do not try to recycle these containers.
Even Better Than Recycling: Reduce, Reuse
To avoid the worry of how to store and dispose of household hazardous waste:
- Buy only what you need.
- Share unused products or half full containers with your friends or neighbors.
- Use up the products you purchase.
