A fresh coat of paint is an easy, inexpensive way to transform a room. But buying just the right amount of paint for the job? That’s a trickier task. If you’re like most DIYers, you’ve got a growing collection of partially used paint cans gathering dust in your garage. Getting rid of them doesn’t have to be a headache. We’ve laid out all your options to dispose of old paint safely and responsibly.
Can You Throw Away Paint?
Let’s get the obvious question out of the way first. Whether or not you can throw away old paint depends on what kind of paint you’re talking about.
Oil-based paints contain chemicals that can contaminate soil and water. They should NEVER be thrown in the trash. In fact, in most states, it’s illegal.
How to Dispose of Oil-Based Paint Safely:
- Take your old oil-based paints to your city or county’s household hazardous waste facility.
- Stop by a local household hazardous waste drop-off event. Many cities hold these events at least once a year.
- Visit PaintCare.org to find take-back programs if you live in one of these states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont or Washington D.C.

Household hazardous waste facilities will make sure your old paint is handled properly.
Latex paints are not considered hazardous and can be thrown away in the trash if you follow a few guidelines.
What’s the Proper Way to Dispose of Latex Paint?
- Remove the lid and discard separately.
- Allow the remaining paint to thoroughly dry out before placing the can in your trash. Pro tip: mixing cat litter into the paint can help it dry quicker.
- If you participate in curbside recycling, pour the remaining paint into a cardboard box and place the empty can in your recycling bin. Allow the paint to dry, then toss the box in the trash.
*Not all municipalities accept dried latex paint for curbside pickup. Check your local regulations.
**Not all curbside recycling programs accept paint cans. Check with your recycler.
However, just because latex paint can be thrown away, it doesn’t mean that’s the best choice. There are plenty of other options that will allow you to get rid of your old paint while helping those in need.
Where to Donate Paint to Do the Most Good
Your used paint can be useful again to families or charities who need a helping hand. A fresh coat of paint doesn’t just create a pleasant atmosphere—it helps protect surfaces from rust, mold and other potential hazards. So instead of getting rid of it, donate your old paint to organizations such as:
- Habitat for Humanity Restores. Paint will be sold at low rates so even those on a tight budget can do some sprucing up.
- Global Paint for Charity. This nonprofit collects used paints and distributes them to struggling homes, schools, hospitals and other organizations around the world.
- Homeless or Domestic Violence Shelters. Shelters are nearly always strapped for resources and most could make good use of your donated paint.
- Drama Clubs. Most amateur theater groups operate on a shoestring budget and would be thrilled to get a little free set dressing.
- Children’s Charities. Many nonprofits that work with children would be happy to use your old paint for craft projects.
- Scout Troops. Scout troops often buy materials for community service projects out of their own pockets. Your donated paint could help their budget go further.
Wherever you decide to donate your old paint, always contact the organization first to make sure they can currently use it. Otherwise, you might be saddling them with a problem rather than offering them a helping hand.
See, Disposing of Old Paint Isn’t So Hard!
Now that you know the right way to get rid of old paint, check out our other guides to disposing of difficult items. Know of any other organizations that would appreciate some donated paint? Speak up in the comments!
I have leftover paint. Where is the closest place to get rid of it. I live in uxbridge Ontario
Hi Brent,
You may want to search for local waste management facilities that handle household hazardous waste (HHW) – Durham Region’s website has a Waste Management Facilities page that may offer some insights on where to drop off your paint. Hope this is helpful, thanks for commenting!
I’d like to recycle my old paint. All the places I’ve seen require the original label on the paint can. I have a few cans missing their original label. Where can I recycle this paint?
Hi Andrew, recycling guidelines vary across the country, but we’d recommend checking your city’s website or contacting them for more information.
Hope this helps, and thanks for reading!
where can I go to get rid of exterior paint near me? Sunrise Mannor
Where can I throw old no good paint away? I live in Mount Olive, Alabama
Does anyone know just how dry/hardened paint needs to be so that it can be disposed of in the trash? I mixed in plenty of paint hardener but was expecting a completely dry, brittle result that I could break up into chips. Instead, I got a stiff, moist mush. Is my stiff, moist mush ok to dispose of in the trash or do I need to let it sit out long enough to dry completely?
I have about 20 paint cans, some empty, some with a little paint in them, they were left here by the previous owner. I am 75 and have no way of disposing of them, what do I do?
Where do I dispose of about 15 or 20 cans of paint cans, I live in Dayton Ohio 45432