5 Paint Recycling Centers in & around Marin County

Paint recycling centers in and around Marin County are designated facilities where residents safely drop off leftover paint, stains, and coatings for reuse, or proper disposal.

So, you’ve finally had your exterior or interior areas painted and it’s come out so well. But as luck would have it, you’ve got some paint leftovers. If you’re wondering how you can dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way, here are some paint recycling centers where you can drop off your leftover paint.

1. Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Address: 565 Jacoby Street, San Rafael, CA 94901

Schedules: Residential Drop-off: Tues – Sat 8:00am- 3:30pm | Closed Sunday & Monday / Commercial Drop-off (Fees Apply): Tues – Wed 8:00am- 3:00pm, By appointment only | Call 415-456-2665

Phone: (415) 485-6806

Holiday Closures: 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, News Year’s Day

The Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility is just 1 of 4 paint recycling centers in Marin. While it’s free for residential and some small businesses, commercial businesses will need to schedule for an appointment before sending their paint for recycling.

Since this paint recycling inititiative started in 2014, Marin has saved at least $290,493 in savings in terms of processing fees and transportation costs which used to be shouldered by municipalities for disposing of hazardous leftover paint.

In case you’re wondering what happens to the paints left in the paint recycling center, premium ones which can still be used are given away for free while the others are processed again by mixing it to produce white, beige, or gray colors. These reprocessed paints are then used in covering up unsightly graffiti in and around the county.

2. Novato Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Address: 7576 Redwood Blvd. Novato, CA 94945

Schedule: Accepts drop-offs of household waste between 8:30-1:30; 1st & 3rd Sundays & Mondays

Phone: (415) 892-1694

Holiday Closures: None

Accepts:

• Aerosols – all kinds
• Auto Products – polishes, antifreeze
• Asbestos in small amounts, double-bagged
• Batteries – all kinds
• Building products, sealers, caulking, glues
• Cosmetics, nail polish
• CRT’s (TV’s or computer monitors – up to 5)
• Fluorescent ballasts (without fixtures)
• Fluorescent tubes & bulbs
• Fuels – gasoline, kerosene, butane, lamp oil
• Household cleaners, polishes, disinfectants
• Motor oil & oil filters
• Paints (oil base & latex), stains, solvents
• Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers
• Pool & photo chemicals
• Pet products
• Spray paints
• Small propane tanks & fire extinguishers
• Sharps (in approved containers only)
• Televisions
• Thermometers & thermostats

Does not accept:

• Explosives or ammunition – Call local police
• Asbestos in large amounts – maximum amount Novato accepts is up to two 30 gallon-size trash bags of asbestos
• Radioactive waste
• Medical or biological wastes. Call the County Health Department
• Business or commercial waste. Call the Novato Business Hotline at (415) 892-6395
• Bring old prescription medications to the Novato Police Department
• LARGE Appliances – Washers, dryers, etc – call Recology at (800) 243-0291 for pick-up

If your paints can’t be accepted by Marin Household Hazardous Facility, Novato will most likely be able to accept them. They’re also open all days of the year, however, residents can only drop off their household waste during specific times. The facility is also requiring appointments during COVID-19 so please contact them first before dropping off your paints for recycling.

3. Dunn-Edwards Paint

Address: 717 Francisco Blvd. East, San Rafael, CA 94901

Store hours: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (415) 259-0302

Email: SanRafael@DunnEdwards.com

4. Tamalpais Paint & Color

Address: 5784 Paradise Dr., Corte Madera, CA 94925

Store hours: May be affected by COVID-19 guidelines, please call for information

Phone:(415) 924-7321

5. Fairfax Lumber Company

Address: 109 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax, CA 94930

Store hours: Mon – Fri 7:30am – 6:00pm | Sat-Sun 8:30am – 5:00pm

Phone: (415) 453-4410

Fax: (415) 453-6255

Email: mail@fairfaxlumber.com

Due to COVID-19, paint stores such as Dunn-Edwards, Tamalpais and Fairfax Lumber Company which also act as paint recycling centers’ drop-off points may not be able to temporarily accept paints for recycling so it’s better to contact them first before going to their stores with your old paints. Make sure to also check with them whether they accept your paint type.

Paint Responsibly With McCarthy Painting

Recycling your leftover paint at one of Marin County’s drop-off centers keeps hazardous materials out of landfills, supports community programs that reuse paint, and is the responsible way to wrap up any painting project. As a trusted Bay Area commercial painting contractor and residential painter based in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area, California, McCarthy Painting shares that commitment to the environment, using quality, eco-conscious products and proper application to minimize waste from the start, so you’re left with less to dispose of and a finish built to last.

At McCarthy Painting, we provide expert residential and commercial painting services across San Francisco, Marin, and surrounding California areas, including specialized protective coatings, surface preparation, and long-lasting exterior solutions. Our team ensures proper application and durability for both homes and commercial properties, delivering high-quality finishes built to withstand time and weather.

Residential

We paint home interiors and exteriors across Marin and the Bay Area with careful planning and quality materials that reduce leftover waste, paired with thorough prep work for a clean, lasting finish.

Commercial

We handle painting for offices, retail spaces, and commercial buildings with efficient material use and durable, professional results that hold up over time.

Our Services

Residential and commercial painting, surface preparation, protective coatings, and long-lasting exterior solutions, all delivered with an eye toward quality and responsible, low-waste work.

Planning a paint project and want it done right from start to finish? Contact McCarthy Painting today at 415-383-2640 for a free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know if my leftover paint can be recycled?

Most leftover paints such as latex, oil-based paints, stains, sealers, and varnishes can typically be recycled at approved facilities. At McCarthy Painting, we always recommend checking the specific requirements of each Marin County facility before drop-off, as accepted materials may vary.

Can I throw leftover paint in the regular trash?

We do not recommend disposing of paint in regular household trash, especially if it contains chemicals or is still liquid. Many Marin County facilities require paint to be properly processed or dried out before disposal to ensure environmental safety and compliance with local regulations.

Where should I take leftover paint in Marin County?

There are several approved drop-off locations in Marin County, including the Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility, Novato Household Hazardous Waste Facility, and select paint retailers such as Dunn-Edwards, Tamalpais Paint & Color, and Fairfax Lumber Company. We encourage homeowners to confirm hours and acceptance policies before visiting.

Do paint stores still accept old paint during restrictions or special conditions?

Some paint retailers may temporarily change their paint recycling services due to regulations or operational updates. At McCarthy Painting, we recommend calling ahead to confirm whether locations like Dunn-Edwards or local hardware stores are currently accepting paint before making a trip.

What should I do if I have a large amount of leftover paint after a project?

If you have a large quantity of leftover paint, we suggest contacting a certified hazardous waste facility such as Marin or Novato Household Hazardous Waste sites. Our team also encourages proper planning during painting projects to help minimize excess paint and reduce waste whenever possible.