Whether you’ve recently finished painting a room or discovered a stack of old paint cans tucked away in your garage or basement, you may be wondering: Where can I get rid of old paint?
The answer depends on the type of paint you have and where you live. While some paint products require special disposal, many can be conveniently recycled through programs like PaintCare.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to dispose of old paint responsibly, what types of paint can be recycled, and where New York residents can drop off leftover paint.
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Old Paint
Paint contains chemicals and materials that shouldn’t simply be poured down the drain or discarded with regular household waste while still in liquid form. Improper disposal can harm the environment and contaminate waterways.
Fortunately, paint recycling programs make it easy to safely dispose of many common paint products while reducing landfill waste.
Where Can I Get Rid of Old Paint?
One of the easiest ways to get rid of old paint is by taking it to a participating PaintCare drop-off location. PaintCare is a nonprofit organization that operates paint recycling programs in participating states, making it convenient for homeowners and businesses to recycle leftover architectural paint.
If you’re located in New York, Loconsolo Paints proudly participates in the PaintCare program. Our participating stores accept eligible paint products, making it simple to recycle leftover paint close to home. Keep scrolling for addresses and directions to all locations.
Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, finishing a renovation, or disposing of unused paint after a project, recycling is often the safest and most environmentally responsible option.
Where Can I Get Rid of Old Paint Cans?
Many people search for ways to dispose of old paint cans, but the answer depends on what’s inside the can. PaintCare accepts many paint containers as long as they:
- Contain an accepted paint product
- Have the original manufacturer’s label
- Are not leaking
- Still contain paint
Containers that are completely empty, leaking, or missing their original labels are generally not accepted at retail PaintCare drop-off locations.
Where Can I Get Rid of Old Paint for Free?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that recycling paint through PaintCare doesn’t require a recycling fee at the time of drop-off.
When eligible paint products are purchased in participating states, a small PaintCare fee is included in the purchase price. That fee helps fund the collection and recycling program, allowing customers to recycle accepted products at participating drop-off locations at no additional cost.
What Types of Paint Can Be Recycled?
PaintCare accepts many common architectural coatings, including:
- Interior paint
- Exterior paint
- Latex paint
- Acrylic paint
- Water-based paint
- Oil-based paint
- Primers
- Undercoats
- Stains
- Sealers
- Varnishes
- Shellacs
- Single-component urethanes
- Waterproofing sealers
- Concrete and masonry sealers
- Metal coatings
- Rust preventative coatings
- Field and lawn paints
What Paint Products Are Not Accepted?
Certain products fall outside the PaintCare recycling program and should not be brought to participating drop-off sites. These include:
- Aerosol spray paint
- Paint thinner
- Mineral spirits
- Solvents
- Automotive paint
- Marine paint
- Art and craft paint
- Epoxy products
- Adhesives and glues
- Caulk
- Paint additives and colorants
- Roof patch products
- Asphalt or tar-based coatings
- Industrial maintenance coatings
- Traffic and road marking paint
- Two-component coatings
Latex Paint vs. Oil-Based Paint Disposal
Not all paint should be handled the same way.
Latex Paint: Latex paint is water-based and is the most common paint used in residential homes. Although it’s generally less hazardous than oil-based paint, liquid latex paint should still be recycled whenever possible instead of being poured down a drain or thrown in the trash.
Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paints contain solvents and require proper disposal. These products should always be taken to an approved paint recycling or household hazardous waste collection facility.
Preparing Paint for Recycling
Before taking paint to a recycling location, there are a few simple steps you should follow:
- Keep paint in its original container.
- Make sure the manufacturer’s label is clearly visible.
- Close the lid tightly.
- Transport containers upright.
- Do not bring leaking containers.
Following these guidelines helps ensure your paint can be accepted quickly and safely.
Why Paint Recycling Matters
Every year, millions of gallons of leftover paint remain unused after home improvement projects. Recycling paint helps:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Protect lakes, rivers, and groundwater
- Conserve valuable raw materials
- Support environmentally responsible manufacturing
- Keep communities cleaner
Choosing to recycle your leftover paint is a simple way to reduce waste while helping protect the environment. Learn more about our paint recycling program here!
Recycle Your Old Paint at Loconsolo Paints
If you’ve been asking “Where can I get rid of old paint?”, Loconsolo Paints makes the process easy. As a participating PaintCare drop-off location in New York, we accept many eligible paint products for recycling through the PaintCare program.
Before visiting, review our accepted products, participating store locations, and recycling information on our Paint Care Recycling Made Easy page. Our team is also happy to answer questions about eligible products and help point you in the right direction.
Whether you’re recycling one can or cleaning out years of leftover paint, we’re proud to help make paint recycling safe, convenient, and environmentally responsible. Visit our participating locations:
Gravesend Brooklyn NY
2660 Coney Island Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11223
Tel.: 718-332-1111
Get Directions →
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Astoria Queens NY
28-31 Steinway Street
Astoria, NY 11103
Tel.: 718-721-0777
Get Directions →
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Morris Park The Bronx NY
1057 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
Tel.: 718-747-8699
Get Directions →
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Forest Hills Queens NY
103-10 Metropolitan Ave.
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Tel.: 718-263-7880
Get Directions →