To be reminded of SWANCC recycling programs and events by email, join SWANCC's Elist and never miss another event!

Latex paint will not be accepted at Household Chemical Waste collections. It can be disposed of at home because it does not contain toxic material.

The easiest way to dispose of paint would be to use it up completely. Apply a second coat to your project or use it up on a piece of old cardboard or scrap wood. Let the can dry out and dispose of it in your regular garbage. If this isn’t an option, continue reading for further instructions.

You can add shredded newspapers, kitty litter or Waste Paint Hardener (available at most hardware stores) to your latex paint. Let the paint dry out completely. This should be done in a well ventilated area and away from children and pets. After the paint has dried, put the container in your garbage with the lid off so the garbage hauler knows the can is empty.

Many local theatre groups, churches and housing authorities will accept leftover paint and put it to good use. If you have a significant amount of paint that is usable, the following are a couple examples of places that will accept paint:

If your paint is not usable and are unable to dry it out yourself, you may take your latex paint in its original container to:

The city of Chicago recently started a latex pain swap. You can bring your latex Paint to the Goose Island Facility.

Learn about Household Chemical Waste disposal.

Go to the Recycling and Service Directory page.