Leftover paint cans pose a special issue since they may contain chemicals that are dangerous to the environment and toxic to humans and animals.

How You Can Help

• Save money (and the nuisance of disposing of excess paint) on your next painting project by consulting with your retailer to get a better estimate of what you will need. Also, most people may not realize that they can usually return full, unused containers of paint to the retailer for refund (check at the time of purchase).
• Store unused portions for future projects or touchup by placing a sheet of plastic wrap across the opening before sealing and store cans upside down to keep paint fresh.
• Donate or exchange paint with friends, neighbors, charities and churches
• Do not put your partially-used cans of solvent- or oil-based (alkyd) paint or spray cans into your regular or bulk trash collection.
• Bring your paint to one of DPW’s Special Waste Collection Events. See schedule here.
• The new PaintCare program can recycle and properly manage your latex and oil-based paint. Find the nearest retail drop-off location or one-day event at PaintCare’s website.