How to Dispose of Old paint

The right answer depends on condition. Choose the option below that matches what you actually have.

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Source

U.S. EPA – Household Hazardous Waste

Last verified: 2026-07-06

Tools and supplies to consider

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ANSI-rated safety glasses

Basic eye protection for any cutting, drilling, or demolition work.

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Durable work gloves

General-purpose gloves for handling lumber, batteries, or chemical containers safely.

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Write-on label stickers

Handy for writing the install or manufacture date directly on a device you're tracking.

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Battery storage case

Keeps loose batteries separated and terminals protected during storage or transport to a drop-off point.

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Fire-resistant battery storage bag

A fire-resistant pouch for isolating a damaged or swollen lithium battery until you can get it to a drop-off point.

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Insulating electrical tape

Insulating tape for covering battery terminals before storage or transport.

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Frequently asked questions

What counts as household hazardous waste?

Items that are flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic in normal household quantities — things like old paint, batteries, chemicals, and fluorescent bulbs are common examples.

Can I just throw a small amount away?

It depends on the specific item and condition — some items are trash-safe once in a certain state (like fully dried latex paint), while others never belong in regular trash regardless of quantity.

Is the rule the same in every state?

Federal law sets a general floor, but some states are stricter for specific items like batteries. Check our state-level notes for anything state-specific we've flagged.

What if I have a large quantity to get rid of?

Larger quantities more often need a scheduled household hazardous waste collection event or facility drop-off rather than routine curbside options — check your local program.