Sustainability
Find the right local program for paint and household chemicals
The right way to recycle old paint depends on its type, condition, and local rules. Start with your city or county’s hazardous waste program before choosing a drop-off.
Search your city or county website for its household hazardous waste paint program. Before visiting, verify accepted products, container sizes, quantity limits, fees, and hours.
In participating states, search PaintCare’s drop-off locator by ZIP code, then contact the site. Accepted products, quantity limits, and operating details vary by location.
PaintCare focuses on eligible paint, while household hazardous waste facilities may handle a broader range of products. Retailer services vary, so confirm each item directly.
Keep paint in its original, clearly identified container with the lid secured. Do not combine products or transfer them to unmarked containers; call about damaged or unlabeled cans.
Contact your city or county solid waste department with the product name, type, amount, container size, and condition. Ask about a permanent facility, event, or regional referral.
A store that sells paint is not automatically a collection site. Sherwin-Williams, Lowe’s, and other retailers may vary by branch, product, fees, and service; call the specific store.
Spray paint is an aerosol, so do not assume a paint-recycling site accepts it with architectural paint. Check your local hazardous waste program for instructions and other chemicals.
If a paint label is damaged, call the drop-off site before bringing the can. Staff may need to identify the product to determine whether it belongs in their paint or hazardous waste stream.
Collection events may require registration, limit containers, or accept only certain materials. Check current instructions before loading your vehicle, and never leave items at a closed site.
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