How to recycle/dispose of paint - oil-based

Curbside collection: No
County facilities accepting paint - oil-based:
 Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events
 Shady Grove Processing Facility & Transfer Station

Latex/Water-based paint disposal

The best ways to manage oil-based paint are to "Use it up! Pass it on!"

If reuse is not possible, then oil-based paint should always be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection site. The solvents in oil-based paint are flammable, and the resins, solvents, pigments, and additives can be toxic when breathed or touched.

Sorry, we do not offer curbside pickups of household hazardous materials.

How do I dispose of aerosol cans which held oil-based products?

• If the cans are empty, put them into your regular trash.
• If they still contain paint, bring them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection site.

How much paint can you bring to a collection?

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection sites are only for Montgomery County residents bringing reasonable amounts of materials from their home. You must provide proof of residency. Attendants at the sites have the right to refuse loads that appear to be commercial in nature.

Paint from businesses may qualify for our Ecowise program.

Use it up!

Small amounts of paint can be mixed with other colors or bulked together and used as a primer coat or on jobs where the final finish is not critical.

Avoid creating waste at the start. Buy only what you need. One gallon of paint will cover between 250 and 350 square feet, depending on the porosity of the surface to be covered. A gallon of paint will cover closer to 250 square feet of surfaces that are more porous. Paint use calculators can help you determine how much paint you'll need for your project.

Pass it on!

Donate unopened cans of paint. Many schools, religious groups, community groups, and theater groups will accept unopened cans of paint, especially white paint. Even a neighbor may need some extra paint. Also, check your paint store's policy on returning unopened cans of paint.

Information on indoor painting:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/dep/air/Indoor_painting.asp

"How to recycle/dispose of..." Index

This information last updated 11/25/2011.