Good Questions: Where can I dispose of used paint?

An e-mail from Kate:

Does anyone know where I can dispose of interior house paint (in an ecologically sound way) in or around the West Hollywood/West Los Angeles area? Some kind of haz-mat or paint drop-off location?

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.)
Link To All Good Questions

The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County actually has a website that answers this question. They actually have a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, that gives LA county residents a legal and cost-free way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals. Click here for the website or call 1-800-238-0173 for more info.

For Orange County residents, you can call The County of Orange Integrated Waste Management Department's Household Waste Office at (714)834-6752 for locations near you. This website has other useful info for OC residents.

Comments (6)

i've found that the most convenient drop off is at ucla. they accept everything from paint to batteries with certain days designated for computers, tvs & other electronics. i believe their hours are from 8-2 every day except sunday. enter from westwood blvd; the guard gate can direct you from there.

I second the UCLA drop off. Here's a link to their info flyer.

http://www.lacity.org/SAN/safe-ucla-flyer-english.pdf

They won't even let you get out of your car! Now that's service.

also check out the city of west hollywood website. they list drop off days as well in weho and beverly hills.

this is a good question. does NY Sanitation have a similar website?

That'll be "Where can I dispose of UNused paint'! Sorry. But excellent question.

My colleague says if it is water-based paint, you can toss it out in the trash.

I have also heard that you can toss in a cup of kitty litter, wait a few hours to 24 hours, and it will harden. You can then toss it.