Households and businesses generate millions of gallons of leftover paint each year. It’s really messy and expensive to deal with. Garbage haulers don’t want it in their trucks. Drying it out is time consuming. And some paint is hazardous. Most recycling programs miss major opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle leftover paint because they collect only a fraction of it, if they accept it at all.
The PaintCare program provides Washingtonians a better way to manage their leftover paint.
First, call a paint drop-off site to confirm their business hours and ensure they accept your paint. All your paint containers need to have lids and original labels. And make sure to load them in your vehicle securely.
PaintCare will accept latex paint from anyone, including households and businesses. However, the program only accepts oil-based paints and other paints that may be dangerous waste from households or small quantity generators. To find out if you are a small quantity generator, visit our generator status page.
PaintCare will ensure your leftover paint is remixed into recycled paint, used as a fuel, made into other products, or properly disposed.