California's New PaintCare Program Expands Collection Sites

In October 2012, seven paint stores in Santa Barbara County began collecting old paint from the public as part of a new program operated by the paint industry group PaintCare. A year later, Santa Barbara County now has 19 free PaintCare sites. 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 list of online calculators provided by PaintCare 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

• Carpinteria Area (1)

  • City of Carpinteria ABOP Center — 5775 Carpinteria Ave

• Santa Barbara Area (6)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road
  • Dunn-Edwards — 233 West Carrillo Street
  • Glidden Professional Paint Center — 132 East Montecito Street
  • MarBorg Industries’ Recycling /ABOP Center — 132 Nopalitos Way
  • Sherwin-Williams — 617 Chapala Street
  • Vista Paint — 516 East Gutierrez Street, Suite 4

• Goleta & UCSB Area (3)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road
  • MarBorg Industries Recycling/ABOP Center — 20 David Love Place
  • Miners Ace Hardware — 125 N Fairview Ave

• Santa Ynez Valley (1)

  • Valley Hardware and Garden Center — 1665 Mission Drive

• 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 (4)

  • 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
  • MarBorg Industries Recycling/ABOP Center — 1850 West Betteravia Road

• 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 — 3481 Plano Parkway
  • Industrial Waste Utilization — 5601 State Street
  • Stericycle, Incorporated —