Can You Recycle Paint & Paint Cans?
It depends
Latex: dry it out. Oil-based: hazardous waste
Why
Liquid paint is banned from trash and recycling. Once empty and dry, the metal can itself is recyclable in many programs.
How to dispose of paint & paint cans
- Latex paint: dry leftover paint with kitty litter or paint hardener, then trash it (lid off) — or drop it at a paint take-back site
- Oil-based paint: always take to household hazardous waste collection
- Empty, dry metal cans can usually go in curbside recycling — check locally
Greener option
Paint take-back programs in many states accept leftover paint for reuse, free.
♻️ Recycling rules vary by city and hauler — when in doubt, check your local program. You can look up your area on our trash & recycling schedules page.