Free paint and household products — the Reuse store (verified 2026-05-30)
When Nevada County residents drop off leftover paint, cleaners, and automotive products at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility, the still-usable items are put out in a Reuse store and given away for free. If you need paint for a project, this is the first place to check.
- Where: McCourtney Road Transfer Station, HHW Facility — 14741 Wolf Mountain Rd, Grass Valley, CA
- When: Friday–Sunday, 8:00 am–3:30 pm (same hours households can drop off HHW)
- Cost: Free. Inventory changes constantly — come see what's there. No guarantee of a specific color or product.
- Heads up (2026): A renovation is underway at the station. Call (530) 274-0120 to confirm hours before you drive out.
You can also use this facility to safely get rid of your own hazardous household stuff (old paint, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, cleaners) for free — up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per visit. Proof of Nevada County residency is required. The full list of what's accepted and the safe-transport rules are in the official details below.
Hours of Operation (two schedules — they don't conflict):
- All household hazardous waste, and the free Reuse store: Friday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- E-waste and universal waste only (batteries, bulbs, electronics): Wednesday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
[Source: WM McCourtney Road HHW Facility sheet — "All Hazardous Waste; Friday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. E-Waste & Universal Waste Only - Wednesday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m." (localsites.wm.com, fetched 2026-09-27)]
*Business and Commercial Customers for Household Hazardous Waste Facility: Bill of Lading, Pricing, EPA number and Appointment required. Please call (530) 274-0120 and leave a message with your contact information.
Dispose of Your Household Hazardous Waste Safely
Tips to Transport Household Hazardous Waste
- Transport liquids in spill-proof, leak-proof containers.
- Keep hazardous products in their original containers whenever possible, with label securely attached and readable.
- Never mix chemicals together!
- Stay in vehicle while at facility; no smoking, please.
- Containers are not returned — bring waste in containers you don't need back. [Source: WM HHW Facility sheet — "Keep in mind NO containers will be returned to you." (fetched 2026-09-27)]
- For your safety, transport the waste in your trunk or the back of a pick-up, away from the passenger area. Make items easily accessible for our employees to remove from your vehicle.
- Proof of Nevada County Residency is required.
Reminders:
State law prohibits transporting more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous materials. Households should be the only individuals hauling waste, Business and Commercial Customers must call for an appointment. Households accepted for HHW Friday thru Sunday from 8 - 3:30 pm (E-Waste & Universal Waste accepted Wednesday thru Sunday).
** Limit per visit is 15 gallons or 125 pounds.
What's Accepted
• aerosol cans (non empty)
• all-purpose cleaners
• anti-freeze
• ammonia
• automotive chemicals
• batteries
• brake fluid
• chlorine bleach
• cooking oil
• furniture polish
• gasoline | • disinfectants
• drain opener
• herbicides
• insecticides
• motor oil
• oil filters
• oven cleaner
• paints - oil based & latex
• paint-related solvents
• partially full aerosol cans | • pesticides
• poisons
• pool chemicals
• rubber cement
• rug cleaner
• silver polish
• solvents
• toilet bowl cleaner
• tub/tile cleaner
• unlabeled paint
and much more |
What's NOT Accepted
• ammunition
• asbestos
• biohazards
• compressed gas cylinders (except propane) | • explosives
• radioactive materials
• treated wood waste
• medications |
REUSE AREA – located at the HHW facility
Paint, cleaners, Automotive products, and more available for FREE. Many products are brought to the Household Hazardous Waste facility located at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station and now some of these items are being offered in the Reuse store Friday to Sunday from 8-3:30pm at the HHW Facility. Inventory will vary.
Prescription Drugs, Over-the-Counter Medicines & Pet Care Products
- Some pharmacies take back medications from their customers. Be sure to ask.
- Only prescription drugs accepted at the Grass Valley Police Department 24/7. Drop box is located in the lobby. LEAVE in original container but cross out your name.
- All Non-Regulated drugs accepted at Kmart, Save Mart, and Rite Aide Pharmacies during regular business hours.
Home-Generated Sharps
- Sharps include needles, syringes, pen needles & lancets.
- It is illegal to put these items in the trash or recycling. By law they must be transported in approved biohazard sharps containers, which are sold at pharmacies.
- Accepted (only in approved biohazard containers) at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility, Kmart, and Rite Aide Pharmacies during regular business hours.
Mercury is banned from the Trash
These products are banned from the trash**
- Common batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, Cells, & button batteries)
- Fluorescent tubes & bulbs, and mercury-containing lamps
- Electrical switches and relays
- Pilot light sensors & thermostats
- Mercury gauges – barometers,manometers, blood pressure& vacuum gauges, & mercury thermometers
- Novelties with mercury added– includes musical greeting cards, athletic shoes with flashing lights & mercury maze games
- *These are accepted at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
For Households:
- McCourtney Road Transfer Station Hazardous Waste Facility
- Washington Transfer Station - Batteries, fluorescent lights, used oil and filters only.
- North San Juan Transfer Station - Batteries, fluorescent lights, used oil and filters only
- Drop-off during business hours only. McCourtney Road HHW drop off Friday - Sunday 8 - 3:30 pm only (E-Waste & Universal Waste also accepted Wednesday & Thursday).
* Business lighting not accepted at the above locations. Business can make an appt for Disposal by calling 530-274-0120
For Businesses
Businesses can use prepaid mailing containers from lamp recyclers or contact a hauler for pickup. Appt can also be made for McCourtney Rd transfer station HHW by calling 530-274-0120. Following is a partial list:
Mailing Containers:
Haulers:
- Lamptracker ........................ 800.664.1434
- Philip Services Corporation ....707.748.3040
- Asbury Environmental ........... 800.727.2879
or visit: earth911.org for more information and for a list of additional venders such as, AERC, Veolia, Clean Harbors, etc.
Cleaning Up Broken Fluorescent Lamps
In the event of breakage, please follow these steps to minimize the risk of mercury exposure.
- Disperse the mercury vapor by opening windows or doors.
- Leave the area for 15 minutes to avoid inhaling mercury vapors.
- DO NOT VACUUM OR USE A BROOM AS DUST WILL BECOME AIRBORNE.
- Wear rubber gloves and use cardboard to scoop up broken glass and powder.
- Thoroughly wipe down area with a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Put all waste in a sealable bag, glass jar, or pail with a tight fitting lid.
- If you must vacuum the debris, only vacuum after cleaning up as much debris as possible.
- Recycle at McCourtney Road Transfer Station.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED)
- Contains no mercury thus safer for the environment
- Last longer (50,000 hours)
- Uses 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Uses 50% less energy than fluorescent bulbs
- Over the lifetime of one 12-watt LED bulb (equal to a 65 watt incandescent), save $265 or more on your electric bill.
Oil, Antifreeze and Gasoline
- Must be in an approved container
- Containers Must be sealed
- No container over 5 gallons
Note: Household Hazardous Waste, Universal Waste and E-Waste must be waste of the person or business bringing it. Site will not accept materials that are collected by a Third Party Contractor, Clean-Up or Dump Companies, ETC.