New! California's PaintCare Program Begins October 19, 2012

Beginning Friday, October 19, seven paint stores in Santa Barbara County now collect old paint, including oil-based paint, from the public at no additional fee. The program is operated by PaintCare, a group representing the paint industry, and was mandated through legislation passed in 2010. Read more by clicking here.

Hazards of Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint contains pigments and petroleum products that can be dangerous to humans and the environment. The vapors from oil-based paint can be especially noxious. Those who are routinely exposed to paint vapors are more likely to develop respiratory problems, liver and kidney damage, and other serious ailments. When painting indoors, make sure to properly ventilate the area to avoid irritating your eyes, skin, and lungs.

Can I donate my leftover paint to a reuse program?

If your paint is still in good condition, some collection facilities will make it available to the public through a reuse or exchange program. The paint should be in its original container (with a legible label!) and be free of contaminants. If you're in need of paint, try calling one of the collection centers ahead of time to see if they have the color you're looking for.

Avoid leftover paint altogether!

It's easy: Buy only what you need. Before heading to the paint store, use this online calculator to determine how much paint is required for the job. All it takes is a few quick measurements of the room(s) you're planning to paint.

Where to go

• All of Santa Barbara County (1)

  • Safety Kleen — 5310 Overpass Road

• Santa Barbara Area (5)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road
  • Dunn-Edwards — 233 West Carrillo Street
  • Frazee Paint — 617 Chapala Street
  • Glidden Professional Paint Center — 132 East Montecito Street
  • Vista Paint — 516 East Gutierrez Street, Suite 4

• Goleta & UCSB Area (1)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road

• Lompoc Valley & VAFB (2)

  • City of Lompoc Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility — 1585 N. "V" St
  • Sherwin-Williams — 137 West Central Avenue

• Santa Maria Valley (3)

  • City of Santa Maria Household Hazardous Waste Facility — 2065 East Main Street
  • Glidden Professional Paint Center — 721 South Miller Street
  • Kelly Moore — 1760 South Broadway

• Outside Santa Barbara County (7)

  • Asbury Environmental Services — 2100 North Alameda Street
  • BGI — 527 North Rice Avenue
  • C.J. Seto Support Services, LLC — 2300 Knoll Dr, Unit G
  • Clean Harbors, Inc. — 880 W Verdulera St
  • Earth911.com - Information Only — 1375 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 140
  • Industrial Waste Utilization — 5601 State Street
  • Stericycle, Incorporated