Residential recycling and disposal search tool

Paint and paint cans

How to safely dispose of paint and paint cans

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Use extra caution

Be careful when handling and preparing this item for disposal. Read the special instructions below for details.

Paint cans

Paint thinner

Painter’s solvent

Examples of paint and paint cans

  • Alkyd, latex and oil-based paints
  • Lacquers, stains and varnishes
  • Paint thinners, strippers and solvents
  • Wood preservatives
  • Dried out paint cans and empty cans

How to dispose

There are two ways to dispose of paint and paint cans.

Household hazardous waste drop-off location

  • Take to a household hazardous waste drop-off location

Safely dispose of paint and paint cans for free at a household hazardous waste drop-off location (designated fire hall).

City Eco Centre

  • Take to a City Eco Centre

Safely dispose of paint and paint cans for free at a City Eco Centre – if you bring with other garbage, charges will apply.

Special instructions

  • You can bring up to 20 litres of household hazardous waste per visit.
  • Use the original paint can if you have it. If not, use a strong container that won't leak. 
    • Make sure the container is clean to prevent any chemical reactions and can safely hold the material without breaking down.
    • Close it tightly and clearly label what's inside.
    • Maximum container size is 20 litres. 
  • Never flush paint down your toilet, sink or drain as they harm the environment and may damage the pipes in your home.

Why do I need the original container?

Use the original packaging whenever possible as it’s designed to safely contain the material and includes critical safety information.

Map of household hazardous waste drop-off locations

For businesses

If you are a business with this item, please see our Business Waste resources.

If you are a commercial painting business, see Commercial Paint to safely dispose of your leftover volumes of commercial paint.

Explore similar items

Spray paint

Paint brushes

Arts and crafts chemicals

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