Paints and Stains

Household Hazardous Waste

Latex paint cans that contain completely dried paint or are empty can be thrown into your regular trash. Just pop the lid off so the trash hauler can verify that the can is empty or contains no liquids.
Latex paint cans that contain liquid can either be brought into one of the collection sites, the collection facility, or you can add kitty litter or other absorbent to the paint. Once the paint is completely absorbed, the can - with the lid off - can be placed in the trash. This is for latex paint ONLY.
Oil-based paint cans should only be placed in the trash if the can is completely empty. Even if the oil-based paint has dried to a rubbery "puck" at the bottom of the can, that puck contains hydrocarbons, is a hazardous waste, and must be brought into either a collection site or the permanent facility.
If your oil-based paint can is completely empty, you can throw the can in with your regular trash. Just pop the lid off so the trash hauler can verify that the can is empty.
Under no circumstances should you place a paint can that contains liquids into your trash. No paint from painting contractors or other businesses (i.e., property management companies) will be accepted at the mobile sites). See Commercial Hazardous Waste for more information.