How to Dispose of Old Paint (The Right Way)
Paint disposal depends on one critical factor: is it latex or oil-based? Latex paint can often go in the trash once dried. Oil-based paint is hazardous and requires proper disposal. Here's what to do with both — including free programs that make it easy.
Latex vs. Oil-Based Paint: Know the Difference First
The type of paint determines your disposal options. Check your can's label.
Latex / Acrylic Paint
Label says: "Latex," "Acrylic," "Water cleanup," or "Water-based"
- + Water-based — less toxic and less flammable
- + Can be dried and placed in regular trash (most states)
- + Accepted at PaintCare drop-off locations
- + Suitable for donation if still usable
- + Does NOT require HHW facility (though still accepted there)
Oil-Based Paint / Alkyd
Label says: "Oil-based," "Alkyd," "Solvent cleanup," or "Flammable"
- − Solvent-based — classified as hazardous waste by the EPA
- − Never goes in trash as a liquid — even when dry, confirm locally
- − Must go to PaintCare, HHW facility, or licensed disposal
- − Never pour down drains, on soil, or in dumpsters
- − Thinners and brush cleaners are equally hazardous
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| PaintCare Drop-Off (Free) | Free |
| Dry Out Latex Paint (Trash Disposal) | Free |
| Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility | Free for residents |
| Donate or Swap Usable Paint | Free |
| Paint Hardener + Trash (Oil-Based, Confirm Locally) | $5–$15 for hardener product |
All 5 Options In Detail
1. PaintCare Drop-Off (Free)
Best for: Any household quantity of latex or oil-based paint
PaintCare (paintcare.org) is the easiest and most widely available free paint disposal option in the US. Operated by the American Coatings Association, it provides free drop-off at 5,000+ retail locations in 42 states — including every Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams, ACE Hardware, and thousands of independent paint stores. PaintCare accepts latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, and shellacs in containers up to 5 gallons. Simply bring your paint to the drop-off station inside the store — no appointment needed. Paint is sent to recycling or energy recovery facilities.
Pros
- + Free for consumers
- + 5,000+ locations in 42 states
- + No appointment needed
- + Accepts both latex and oil-based paint
Cons
- − Not yet in all 50 states
- − Does not accept aerosols or non-paint products
- − Container size limit (5 gallons)
- − Large commercial volumes may require special arrangements
Where to go: PaintCare (paintcare.org) · Home Depot · Sherwin-Williams · ACE Hardware · True Value
2. Dry Out Latex Paint (Trash Disposal)
Best for: Small amounts of latex paint you can dry at home
Latex paint is water-based and significantly less hazardous than oil-based paint. In most states, fully dried and hardened latex paint is accepted in regular household trash. The process: pour paint into a thin layer (1–2 inches deep) in an open cardboard box, old bucket, or on newspaper. Leave it outdoors in the sun to dry. For faster results, mix in kitty litter or a commercial paint hardener product. Once completely solid with no wet spots, the dried paint and container can go in the trash. Leave the lid off the can so waste haulers can confirm it's empty and dry.
Pros
- + Completely free — no transportation needed
- + Works for any amount of latex paint
- + No facility visits or scheduling
- + Dried paint goes in regular trash bin
Cons
- − Only works for latex (not oil-based)
- − Takes 1–7 days depending on paint thickness
- − Check local regulations — a few states have stricter rules
- − Not suitable for large volumes (better to use PaintCare)
3. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
Best for: Oil-based paint, large volumes, or when other options aren't available
Every county in the US is required to have a Household Hazardous Waste disposal program. Many operate a permanent HHW facility with regular hours (often one or two days per week); others hold periodic collection events. HHW facilities accept both latex and oil-based paint with no quantity limits for residential drop-off. They also accept other hazardous household materials like pesticides, solvents, and automotive fluids — making it useful for a whole-garage cleanout. Search Earth911.com or your county waste management website to find hours and location.
Pros
- + Free for residents (all states)
- + No quantity limits on residential drop-off
- + Accepts oil-based paint (unlike some other options)
- + Also accepts other hazardous materials
Cons
- − Limited hours (often 1–2 days/week)
- − May have wait times on busy days
- − Must transport paint yourself
- − Businesses often pay a fee or are not eligible for free drop-off
Where to go: Your county HHW facility · Earth911.com · EPA waste facility locator
4. Donate or Swap Usable Paint
Best for: Usable paint with remaining shelf life (sealed, unmixed)
If your paint is still in good condition — sealed lid, not separated or foul-smelling, with at least a few years of shelf life — donating is the most environmentally responsible choice. Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts usable interior and exterior paint at most locations. Local Buy Nothing groups and Nextdoor community boards are excellent for giving away paint quickly — people are often happy to take full cans for touch-ups or projects. Some PaintCare drop-off locations also facilitate paint reuse by accepting usable paint for redistribution. Community swap events, organized by municipalities, let residents exchange paints and materials.
Pros
- + Paint gets used instead of being disposed of
- + Free and immediate for the giver
- + Habitat ReStore offers tax receipt in some cases
- + Buy Nothing groups typically respond quickly
Cons
- − Only works for paint in good condition
- − Habitat ReStore does not accept all paint types
- − Community swaps are infrequent
- − No guarantee of takers on Buy Nothing
Where to go: Habitat for Humanity ReStore · Buy Nothing groups · Nextdoor · Community swap events
5. Paint Hardener + Trash (Oil-Based, Confirm Locally)
Best for: Small amounts of oil-based paint when HHW isn't accessible
Commercial Waste Paint Hardener products (available at hardware stores) are designed to solidify liquid paint quickly. For latex paint, this is a faster alternative to natural air-drying. For oil-based paint, solidifying the paint makes it easier to handle — but check your local regulations before putting solidified oil-based paint in the trash. In many jurisdictions, even solidified oil-based paint must go through HHW or a licensed facility. This is not a universal workaround. Always confirm what your local waste hauler and state regulations allow before using this method for oil-based paint.
Pros
- + Fast — solidifies paint in hours
- + Works for both latex and oil-based
- + Low cost ($5–$15 per can)
- + Available at most hardware stores
Cons
- − Does not always make oil-based paint trash-legal — verify locally
- − Additional product cost
- − Not for large volumes
- − Latex alternatives (air drying, kitty litter) are free
Where to go: Home Depot · Lowe's · ACE Hardware (Waste Paint Hardener)
Can You Put Paint in a Dumpster?
The short answer: only if it's completely dry and empty cans. Liquid paint — latex or oil-based — is prohibited in roll-off dumpsters. Here's exactly what is and isn't allowed:
Quick Decision Guide by Paint Type & Situation
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Latex paint, small amount | Dry out + trash or PaintCare |
| Latex paint, large amount | PaintCare drop-off |
| Oil-based paint (any amount) | PaintCare or HHW facility |
| Usable paint (sealed, not separated) | Donate to Habitat ReStore or Buy Nothing |
| Paint + renovation debris in dumpster | Empty/dry cans in dumpster, liquid to PaintCare |
| Paint thinners and solvents | HHW facility only |
PaintCare: Is Your State Covered?
PaintCare currently operates in 42 states plus Washington D.C. It is funded by a small consumer fee (usually $0.35–$1.60) added to each paint can at the point of sale — so if you've bought paint in a participating state, you've already paid into the system. Use the program to your advantage.
To find your nearest drop-off, visit paintcare.org and enter your zip code. The locator shows hours, accepted materials, and distance. Drop-off stations are located inside participating stores at customer service or a dedicated kiosk — you don't need to speak with anyone.
States not yet in PaintCare should use their county HHW facility. Search Earth911.com or call your county waste management office to find the nearest location and hours.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put paint in a dumpster?
Dry or completely empty paint cans can go in a dumpster — but liquid paint of any kind (latex or oil-based) is not accepted in roll-off dumpsters. Liquid paint is considered a prohibited material by virtually all dumpster rental companies. For a renovation project, make sure all paint cans are completely empty and fully dried before tossing them in a roll-off. Leave lids off so haulers can verify they are empty. Never put cans with liquid paint in a dumpster, as this can void your rental agreement and result in additional fees.
How do I dispose of latex paint for free?
There are two free options for latex paint: (1) The PaintCare program — free drop-off at 5,000+ locations nationwide (Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams, ACE Hardware, and independent paint stores) in 42 participating states. Visit paintcare.org to find the nearest location. (2) Dry it out and trash it — spread latex paint in a thin layer in an open cardboard box or old bucket and let it dry completely in the sun. Once fully hardened, dried latex paint is accepted in regular trash in most states. Never pour liquid paint down a drain or in the trash — only dried latex is generally safe for landfill.
What is PaintCare and where are drop-off locations?
PaintCare is a nonprofit stewardship program operated by the American Coatings Association that provides free paint drop-off for consumers and businesses. It operates in 42 states plus the District of Columbia, with over 5,000 drop-off locations at retail paint and hardware stores — including Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams, ACE Hardware, True Value, and independent paint stores. PaintCare accepts latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, and shellacs. It does not accept aerosols, caulk, or non-paint products. To find your nearest drop-off, visit paintcare.org and enter your zip code.
Is dried latex paint safe for the trash?
Yes — in most states, fully dried and hardened latex paint is accepted in regular household trash. Latex paint is water-based and does not contain the same hazardous solvents as oil-based paint. The key requirement is that it must be completely dry and solid — not just skinned over on top. To speed drying, pour paint in a thin layer (1–2 inches) into a cardboard box lined with plastic, or spread across multiple old containers. Add kitty litter or a commercial paint hardener product to accelerate the process. Check your state and local regulations, as a few states have specific rules even for dried latex.
How do I dispose of oil-based paint?
Oil-based paint is classified as hazardous waste and must never be poured down drains, put in regular trash as a liquid, or placed in a dumpster. Your options are: (1) PaintCare drop-off (paintcare.org) — free, accepts oil-based paint at 5,000+ locations; (2) Your county Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility — always free for residents, accepts any quantity; (3) Paint hardener products — products like Waste Paint Hardener can solidify oil-based paint so it can be disposed of more easily (follow product and local regulations). A paint hardener does not make oil-based paint "regular trash" in most jurisdictions — always confirm local rules before using this method.
Doing a Renovation? Need a Dumpster for the Debris?
Drywall, wood, old fixtures, and empty paint cans — a roll-off dumpster handles it all. Find local companies and get free quotes.
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