Ditch The Paint At Paint Drop-Off Event In Rancho Santa Margarita

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Have you been unintentionally hoarding paint in your garage? Does your business have paint that is no longer needed?

Fear not, Rancho Santa Margarita. The city is looking out for you. A free paint recycling drop-off event is being held Saturday, and residents are encouraged to reserve a spot and ditch their paint cans.

The city emphasized that pre-registration is required for this free event, and interested residents and businesses can sign up through a link provided by the city.

The drop-off event will accept house paint and primers, stains, deck and concrete sealers and clear finishes like varnishes and shellac. Paint must be in sealed in its original container with original manufacturer label, the city said.

There are several items that residents and businesses cannot leave at the paint drop-off event. Materials such as aerosol spray paints, drums larger than five gallons, motor oil and roofing tar are among the items that will not be accepted.

Also, there are specific limitations for paint drop-offs that apply to businesses only. For more information on the restrictions, the city asks businesses to review a flyer posted earlier this month.

On the day of event, city staff asks participants to place all materials for drop-off in the trunk of their vehicle. Residents and businesses dropping off paint materials are requested to stay in their vehicle while a member of the event staff removes the items for recycling.

The free paint recycling drop-off event takes place Saturday at the Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall's parking lot, 22112 El Paseo. The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon.