Paint Recycling Guide

Recycling Paint

Paint Recycling Guide

Disposing of paint in the trash or sink causes toxic chemicals to seep into the soil and water, thus creating a very real threat to individuals and the environment, not to mention it is illegal. Leftover paint is considered household hazardous waste. Household hazardous waste products, such as paints, contain potentially hazardous metals that require special care when you dispose of them.

Where To Recycle Paint 

There are about 50 paint retailers in San Diego that currently participate in the PaintCare program. PaintCare is a paint stewardship program on behalf of paint manufacturers in California that have passed paint stewardship laws in order to keep harmful chemicals out of the environment. The program allows participating paint retailers to take back paint from residents to recycle it properly. Examples of participating paint retailers include Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards. Visit wastefreesd.org and search “Paint” to find the closest PaintCare location near you.

Types Of Paint Accepted At PaintCare Locations 

  • Interior and exterior architectural paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, enamel (including textured coatings)
  • Deck coatings, floor paints (including elastomeric)
  • Primers, sealers, undercoaters
  • Stains
  • Shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (single component)
  • Waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers and repellents (not tar or bitumen-based)
  • Metal coatings, rust preventatives
  • Field and lawn paints

Paint Recycling Checklist

  • Paint must be in its original container
  • Container must be labeled and legible
  • Container must be in good condition, not leaking
  • Container must be 5 gallons in size or smaller
  • Check with the site if you have more than 5 gallons

What To Do If Labels Are Missing And Paint Cans Are Rusting

Paint cans that are leaking, unlabeled, rusting or empty are not accepted at PaintCare drop-off sites. Paint retailers also do not accept aerosol, industrial, original equipment or specialty coatings. These items should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. Visit wastefreesd.org to find the closest facility near you.

What To Do With Paint Cans That Are Empty

Paint cans that are completely empty or all dried up can be placed in your recycling bin. Paint cans with less than 1 inch left can be left to dry for up to a week. Another option is to dry the paint out using cat litter. Afterwards just remove the lid before placing in your recycling bin.

 

 

Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Tubes Recycling

Fluorescent tube Recycling

Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Tubes Recycling

Fluorescent light bulbs and light tubes are considered hazardous waste items because they contain a small amount of mercury which poses a danger if released into open air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) on average contain only about four milligrams of mercury, which might seem insignificant compared to 500 milligrams of mercury in older thermometers. However, they should still be disposed of properly in order to prevent any adverse effects on the environment and human health. Recycling of fluorescent light bulbs/tubes can also ensure that other materials of the bulb such as glass and metals are all reused.

Solana Center

The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation accepts fluorescent light bulbs, electronics and batteries for recycling at their facility at 137 N. El Camino Real in Encinitas. Drop offs are available on Thursdays from 12PM-5PM and Saturdays from 9AM-1PM.

Batteries Plus Bulbs 

Recycling your fluorescent light bulbs/tubes, batteries and electronics at Batteries Plus Bulbs is easy and convenient. Bring your items to the nearest store and they will then pass the items along to their recycling partners to repurpose salvageable materials. Be aware that fees may apply, so feel free to contact the store before you go to inquire about pricing.

EnviroGreen Electronic Recycling Services 

EnviroGreen accepts fluorescent light bulbs for recycling at a price of $1/bulb. They also accept batteries and appliances for a small fee, and electronics free of charge. EnviroGreen has a residential pickup service starting at $35 and a business pickup service starting at $65.

Universal Waste Disposal Company

Universal Waste Disposal Company offers fluorescent light bulb, batteries and electronics recycling services. Visit their website to get a free quote.

Home Depot

Certain Home Depots accept fluorescent light bulbs for recycling in store. Call your local Home Depot before you go to make sure they are currently accepting the CFLs.

Lowe’s 

Most Lowe’s stores offer a recycling center that accepts fluorescent light bulbs near the entrance. Call your local Lowe’s before you go to make sure they are currently accepting the CFLs.

Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities

If your fluorescent light bulb or light tube is broken, the only place that you would be able to take it to would be your local hazardous waste collection facility. Make sure you safely place the broken bulb/tube in a tightly sealed container. Visit WasteFreeSD.org to find the location of your closest hazardous waste collection facility.

Bulbcycle 

Bulbcycle has a free mail-in program for businesses to recycle fluorescent light bulbs/tubes, batteries and electronics. Businesses can fill up different sized containers at their own pace and return the container to Bulbcycle within a year. This will not only help keep hazardous materials out of the landfill, but will also earn your company LEED points as well.

TechWaste Recycling

TechWaste Recycling offers nationwide business pickups for fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, batteries and electronics. Visit their website or call them to schedule a pickup.

Student and Youth Engagement in Environmental Stewardship

Youth Environmental Stewardship

Student and Youth Engagement in Environmental Stewardship

How small actions taken by youth can lead to some big changes.

San Diego County is home to many unique species of plants and animals that all contribute to its biodiversity. However, this special attribute that makes our region a wonderful place to live and visit is at risk.

Did you know San Diego County is located within a biodiversity hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is an area with globally unique animals and plants but has suffered massive habitat loss and is now an area of high concern. San Diego County’s youth have a unique opportunity to participate in environmental stewardship opportunities and help mitigate these negative changes. Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Volunteering for environmental stewardship projects has many benefits including acquiring community service hours that can be applied for graduation, psychological benefits, and developing a “sense of place.”

Community Service Hours

In many cases, students must complete a number of community service hours to graduate high school. The specific number of hours is determined by individual districts. If you or a student of yours is looking to earn community service by participating in an environmental stewardship project, here are a few things to make sure you have ready:

  • Locate a project location that works for you.
  • Check if there are any age or equipment requirements.
  • On the day of the event, bring a paper from your school for the person in charge to sign (usually can be obtained from the school’s counseling department).
  • Take pictures of the event and have a good time!

Psychological Benefits

You may be familiar with the benefits of being outdoors, but volunteering outside has even more! Here are some of the many psychological and social benefits to volunteering:

Sense of Place

Volunteering increases a person’s sense of place which is the feeling of being connected to your community. Developing a “sense of place” is important for everyone but is also very beneficial for youth. Students who increase their “sense of place” have increased self-efficacy, increased awareness of climate change, and have more pro-environmental behaviors.

Other Types of Environmental Stewardship

There are many types of environmental stewardship and ways that anyone can become involved. Simple everyday choices that reduce our carbon footprint can make a big difference. Examples include:

  • Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Upcycle (also known as the 4 Rs of waste hierarchy)
  • Composting
  • Walk or take public transportation
  • Carry a reusable straw, shopping bag or water bottle

Where Do I Go to Volunteer?

You can always check I Love a Clean San Diego County’s volunteer page to see what events are happening.

Want to help I Love A Clean San Diego remove 30,000 pounds of litter in one day? If so, please join us during Earth Week on April 24th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for the Creek to Bay Clean Up.
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Jessica Ullyott is a graduate student with the Miami University, OH in partnership with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She is working to complete her master’s degree in biology with an emphasis in teaching. Her mission statement is: “Work to foster environmental stewardship in students through inquiry-based education and active participation because we all play a role in habitat conservation.”

Celebrate Sustainability with the City of Carlsbad This Earth Month

Celebrate Sustainability

Celebrate Sustainability with the City of Carlsbad This Earth Month

The 51st anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, 2021 and the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division is celebrating all month long with events and resources to help residents celebrate sustainability by making every day Earth Day.

April is upon us and that means Earth Month is too! In honor of Earth Day, the City of Carlsbad is celebrating all month long and invites residents to join their community’s road to sustainability through numerous Earth Month events.

Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division maintains the Household Hazardous Waste program, promotes recycling and composting, provides technical assistance to businesses and multifamily complexes, and is the city’s liaison with Waste Management, the city’s waste hauler.

Follow along as the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division partners with I Love A Clean San Diego to give you a teaser of what you can expect this Earth Month!

Earth Month Events

Here are some COVID-safe ways for Carlsbad residents to participate in a month full of activities and celebrate Earth Day’s 51st Anniversary. Visit the City’s Earth Month webpage for all the details.

10 Ways to Live a Sustainable Life Virtual Workshop
Saturday, April 10th
Join the City of Carlsbad for a FREE virtual workshop, focusing on how to put your passion for sustainability into action! Learn practical tips on how reduce ‘disposable’ waste and make sustainable choices part of your everyday life.

Composting Virtual Workshop
Saturday, April 17th
Learn about all the ins and outs of home composting. Learn what system is best for you, how to manage it successfully and how to use the resulting compost. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the instructor and ask questions on the spot.

Virtual Lunch and Learns
April 19th – April 22nd
Celebrate Earth Day’s 51st Anniversary by participating in a weeklong series of lunch ‘n learns to raise awareness about citywide sustainability initiatives. Join the Environmental Management Department including the Climate Action Plan Division, Watershed Protection Division and Habitat Management Division while enjoying lunch from the comfort of your own home or workspace!

Live Virtual Q&A with Waste Reduction Videos
Thursday, April 22nd
Join the City of Carlsbad for an interactive live Q&A session on Earth Day! The session will include introductions to the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division waste reduction video series, time for question and answers, and raffles of Earth Day themed waste reduction, compost or garden related gifts.

I Love A Clean San Diego’s 19th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup
Saturday, April 24th
Join the largest environmental cleanup in San Diego County during Earth Week! Volunteer for the 19th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup and help remove polluting litter from your community. Get outside, stay close to your home, socially distance and collect litter throughout the streets of your neighborhood. Help us remove 30,000 pounds of litter in a single day!

To learn more and sign up for these events, visit the City of Carlsbad’s Earth Month webpage.

Don’t forget to follow I Love A Clean San Diego on Facebook throughout April to get the latest updates and news, as well as specialized content, regarding the City of Carlsbad’s Celebrate Sustainability and Earth’s Day 51st Anniversary events!

But WAIT, There’s more!

Our earth minded efforts don’t have to stop at the end of Earth Month. Through existing waste reduction programs, Carlsbad residents have multiple ways to engage throughout the year! The City’s Residential Recycling and Trash Guide conveniently houses many of the City’s residential sustainability resources and is a great place to begin your search.

Recycling & Trash Services

Start by learning more about your recycling and trash services with information on weekly collection, billing and cart exchanges.

An overview of what goes in each cart follows, with in-depth descriptions highlighting tips and best practices. *Take a look at the guide for a detailed breakdown and pictures showing what is acceptable in each bin.
• Recycle: Aim for Empty, Clean, and Dry and “Free your Recyclables” – no bagged recyclables.
• Green Waste: Recycle yard waste into mulch and compost.
• Trash: Trash is not sorted and goes directly into the landfill.

City of Carlsbad Waste Diversion Programs

To help residents dispose of their waste in a way that helps protect the environment, the guide also includes information on a few other City of Carlsbad diversion programs available.

Household Hazardous Waste
Drop off household hazardous waste including old motor oil, paint, chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs and electronics for free. This drop-off service is free with proof of residency. (No appointment necessary)
CleanEarth Collection Facility
Location: 1145 E. Taylor St., Vista CA 92084 (800) 714-1195
Hours: Saturdays 9am – 3pm
*The City of Carlsbad also provides a service through CleanEarth to collect household hazardous waste material from the front door of residents’ homes for a $10 fee.
Click here to learn more!

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Many electronic products can be reused, refurbished or recycled. Help divert waste away from the landfill by properly disposing of electronic waste (e-waste). This drop-off service is free with proof of residency. (No appointment necessary)
Waste Management Buyback Center
Location: 5960 El Camino Real, Carlsbad CA 92008 (at Palomar Transfer Station)
Hours: Saturdays 8am – 4pm (closed for lunch between 12pm – 12:40pm).

Residential Battery Recycling Program
Residents of the City of Carlsbad have a great opportunity for battery recycling! First, collect used household batteries. Second, place them in a clear zipper bag, one quart or smaller. Third, place on top of your blue recycling cart lid. Do NOT place inside of cart. Batteries will be collected by Waste Management on your day of service.

Pharmaceuticals
The current accepted practice for disposing of medications is through free drop-off programs. Pharmaceuticals or medications do not belong in trash or recycling containers.
They can be dropped off at the San Diego Sheriff’s Encinitas station, the City of Carlsbad Safety Center or the CVS store off of El Camino Real in Carlsbad. Click here to learn more!

Sharps and Needles
Residents may properly dispose of their sharps and needles at Waste Management’s buyback center. A free mail-back kit can also be obtained at the same location. *Each household will be limited to one mail-back kit per year.

Curbside Item Collections

E-Waste: Free collection of up to five items such as computers, printers, fax machines, microwave ovens, TV’s, DVD/CD players, VCR’s, stereos and cell phones from your home three (3) times annually. Call Waste Management to schedule an appointment.

Bulky Items: Free collection of up to five large items such as furniture, including mattresses or appliances from your home three (3) times annually. Call Waste Management to schedule an appointment.
Click here to learn more!

Holiday Trees: Collected for the first two weeks following Christmas on your regular collection day. Place trees next to your green waste cart. Drop-off locations are also provided around the City.

Take a moment to find the Residential Guide for Recycling and Trash Services online and visit the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management website to learn more.

To keep up to date on community cleanups and zero waste resources and continue on the road to sustainability, visit and like I Love A Clean San Diego on social media. Use our handle @iloveacleansd.