What To Do With Empty Latex or Oil-Based Paint Cans

• Leave the lid off of latex paint cans to let the last bit of paint dry out, then recycle them in your normal bin or a specialized recycling center (depending on your city).
• Use up the last of your oil-based paint or let it dry out, then take the empty cans to a household hazardous waste drop-off facility near you.

Getting Rid of Latex Paint Cans

Make sure your paint can is completely empty. If your paint can still has a small amount of paint in it, take off the lid and let the paint dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. It’s important that the can be empty or completely dried out before you try to dispose of it. The paint should dry in 2-4 hours. You can also purchase commercial paint hardeners from a store to help your paint dry out. If the bottom of your paint can has dried latex paint in it, you can still dispose of it.

Remove the lid to show that the can is completely empty or dried up. Whether you’re recycling the can or throwing it in the trash, removing the lid is important to show that the paint can isn’t full of leftover paint. Take the lid off completely and place it next to the paint can. Taking the lid off of the paint can shows trash or recycling collectors that the paint can is safe to dispose of.

Recycle your can if there’s a recycling center near you. Many cities have paint recycling companies that will reuse your empty latex paint cans, free of charge. Go online to find out your recycling options, whether through a specific paint recycling company or your local general recycling center. Your city or town’s recycling website should tell you whether or not they accept empty paint cans. Many recycling centers do accept empty paint cans, grouping them with metals. It's likely that you can place your empty paint can directly into your recycling bin, though some areas may ask that you bring it in to a recycling center—visit your recycling center's website if you're not sure.

Place your paint can in the trash if recycling isn’t an option. If your paint can is empty or has latex paint in it that’s completely dried up, it can be thrown away with your regular trash. Take it out on trash days or to your local waste management center. Make sure the lid is off of the can, even though it’s going in the trash.

Disposing of Oil-Based Paint Cans

Ensure your paint can is completely empty. Oil-based paint is considered hazardous, so it’s especially important to use up any old paint before trying to dispose of the can. Take the lid off to double check, and keep the lid off while disposing of the can. If your oil-based paint can isn't completely empty, consider using up the rest of the paint by brushing it onto newspaper.

Look up your city or county’s guidelines on oil-based paint cans. Due to their hazardous nature, different areas may have different rules for how they want you to get rid of oil-based paint cans. Go online to find out if your city classifies oil-based paint cans as hazardous or not, and where you can take the cans to get rid of them. Search “how to dispose of oil-based paint cans in my area” online to find your local guidelines.

Bring the paint can to a local Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off site. Many areas have Household Hazardous Waste sites where you can bring items that aren’t safe to dispose of in your own home. Find a drop-off location near you and bring your paint can there if it’s deemed hazardous. Some areas might even have a Hazardous Household Waste pickup option, so check online to find out. Other hazardous items these sites take are things like automotive products, thermometers, pool chemicals, and electronics.

Put your paint can in the trash if it can’t be recycled. If your oil-based paint can doesn’t need to be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off site according to your city’s regulations, it’s safe to place it in your regular garbage. Make sure it’s definitely empty to prevent any hazards, and take it out on trash day. If you’re not sure whether oil-based paint cans are considered hazardous in your area, it’s better to be cautious and assume that they are hazardous.