Please note this is only for waste paint & art supplies from UCLA affiliated locations. For Household waste, please go to LA City Sanitation website.
Paint Waste (Paint, Thinner and Other Solvents)
All paint (latex or oil), epoxy, and paint solvents waste must be collected as hazardous wastes.
- Label containers with a Hazardous WASTe Tag.
- Bring your containers to our routine pick-up or schedule a special pick up if your location is not listed.
- Turn in your container within 90 days no matter how full.
- Contaminated items can be disposed of as dry bulk waste
- Storage location must be secured, not accessible to the public, and protected from the elements.
Collections Drums
- Drums are available for consolidation of paint by type (latex vs. oil).
- Once the drum is put into service label it with a Hazardous WASTe Tag.
- Keep the drum closed when not in use.
- Once the drum is 90% full schedule a pick up within 3 days or within 90 days no matter how full.
- To request a collection drum or to coordinate delivery and retrieval Email: hazardousmaterials@ehs.ucla.edu
- Fees may apply for pick up and supplies. Visit EH&S Service Rates and Fees
Rinse water from cleaning brushes, rollers, and other items contaminated with latex paint, can be drain disposed as long as the paint does not contain heavy metals, lead or mercury. Most paints currently sold do not contain these materials, but if you suspect they do, check the container label or the safety data sheet (SDS). Contact EH&S for further help.
Materials Considered Non-Hazardous
The following can be disposed of in the normal trash:
- Completely dry painting instruments, tarps and other items
- Completely empty aerosol cans (puncture and deface)
- Completely empty and dry latex paint cans
- Completely empty paint thinner or solvent containers less than five (5) gallons
Never dispose of hazardous materials down the drain, in the normal trash, or by evaporation. This includes any rinse material from cleaning brushes or contaminated items. Partially full paint, solvent or hazardous material containers should be disposed of through EH&S.
