Nail Polish

Alternative ways to recycle
Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Collection 
Nail polish needs special handling to avoid toxic exposure for waste workers, the community, and the environment.

City Specific Disposal Options
Please check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if additional options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off
Your city or county may offer HHW drop-off sites and collection events.
– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events
– Riverside County
San Bernardino County
– Ventura County 

Disposal Options For Businesses
Hazardous waste cannot be placed in your containers. Schedule a Special Waste Collection by emailing [email protected] or calling Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Fees may apply.

Some HHW drop-off centers may allow drop off by small business generators (check links above).

No Nail Polish in the Garbage

The EPA considers nail polish hazardous waste, and it needs to be disposed of as such. Don’t throw it into the regular garbage or a recycling bin, and don’t dump it down the drain.

Alternative Ways to Recycle

Côte Recycling Program

Mail in used bottles of nail polish to Côte’s Recycling Program and receive 10 percent off a future purchase.

Did You Know?

The Origins of Nail Polish

Nail polish was invented in China as early as 3000 BC. The colors you wore depended on which class you belonged to. Lower classes painted their nails nude and other pale colors, while the upper classes painted theirs red.