Paint

Latex Paint:
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 is 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, contact the following:

The ReBuilding Exchange
2160 N Ashland, Chicago
(773) 252-2234
rebuildingexchange.org
The mission of the ReBuilding Exchange is to divert building materials from the waste stream and make them accessible to the public for reuse, protecting community health, creating jobs and saving resources.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore
habitatlc.org/restore
Accepts building materials, construction tools, pallet jacks, cabinets, siding, tile, paintbrushes. Call (847) 249-3160 (distribution center) or see website for list of donations accepted, hours of operation, and criteria for donation pickups

Hardware Stores
If your paint is not usable and you are unable to dry it out yourself, the hardware stores listed below recycle latex paint for a fee:

•Craftwood Lumber and Hardware
1590 Old Deerfield Rd, Highland Park
(847) 831-2800

•Millen Do It Best
1219 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette
(847) 251-3060

•Palatine Ace Hardware
239 E Northwest Hwy, Palatine
(847) 358-8100

•Schaumburg Ace Hardware
604 W Wise Rd, Schaumburg
(847) 895-9292

•Sherwin Ace Hardware
1705 W Campbell, Arlington Heights
(847) 255-3113

•Skokie Ace Hardware
5035 Oakton St, Skokie
(847) 673-0700

•Weiss Ace Hardware
1560 Waukegan Rd, Glenview
(847) 724-3444

The following website lists additional locations to recycle latex paint and cans.

Earth Paints Collection Systems
(847) 231-6044
earthpaintscs.com

Lead-Based Paint:
In response to lead-based paint (LBP) concerns, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has prepared an information package which outlines those LBP removal approaches which IEPA recognizes as being consistent with protecting human health and the environment.

Oil Paint:
Chicago's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility
1150 N North Branch St, Chicago
Operated by the City of Chicago and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
cityofchicago.org
Tuesdays: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Thursdays: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
1st Saturday of month: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Residential waste only (no business or commercial sector waste).
Accepts oil-based paints, aerosol paints and paint thinners. Also accepts solvents (mineral spirits, stains, paint strippers, preservatives and sealers). This facility accepts many additional items for recycling. See site for details.

Learn about Household Chemical Waste disposal.