Dispose of Paint Properly

Use an online paint calculator to estimate the amount needed. Paint store staff can also help you buy the right quantity.

• Are you pressure washing a structure to remove paint?
  • Place filter fabric on storm drain to catch debris.
  • Only discharge filtered water to storm drain.
• Spread a tarp to capture paint chips, dust, and debris when removing old paint.
  • Paint chips and dust from non-hazardous dry stripping and sand blasting may be swept up and disposed of as trash. 
  • Chips and dust from paint containing lead is hazardous waste (most paint prior to 1978 contains lead). Follow safe work practices when working with lead paint. Sweep up waste and dispose of as hazardous waste.

• Use tarps and drip pans to collect paint and solvent drips and spills.
• Keep liquid products away from the street and storm drains.
• Use high-efficiency spray guns to minimize over-spray.
• Keep a spill kit on site.
  • Don’t have a spill kit? Get one for free(PDF, 609KB)!

• Paint out brushes and rollers as much as possible.
• Drain excess paint from spray equipment prior to cleaning.
• Never wash equipment or dump rinse water in street, gutter, storm drains, or ditches.
• Never pour excess paint of any kind down a storm drain or any other drain.
• Latex Paint
  • Wash latex paint equipment in sink.
  • Dispose of rinse water in a toilet, utility sink, or sanitary sewer clean-out. 
• Oil-based Paints
  • Clean equipment with thinner or solvent in a proper container. Allow paint particles to settle and form “sludge”. Dispose of sludge at a Hazardous Waste Facility. Re-use remaining solvent/thinner.
  • Keep oil-based paints or solvents out of drains, both inside and outside your home or business. 

There are recycling options for latex paint, while oil-based paint needs to be disposed at a hazardous waste facility (no cost for residents and most businesses). Learn more about how you can donate leftover paint or recycle or dispose of it properly.

Residents and business can drop off unwanted paint, stains and clear finishes for recycling at PaintCare locations at no charge. Participating PaintCare drop-off locations accept the following:

• House paint and primers (latex or oil-based)
• Stains
• Deck and concrete sealers
• Clear finishes (e.g., varnishes, shellac)

All locations accept at least 5 gallons of paint from each customer. Paint must be dropped off in its original container with the original manufacturer’s label on it.

Dropping off leftover paint at PaintCare sites is free of charge. The program is supported by a fee placed on sales of new paint in the state.

Find paint recycling locations near you