Paint

Paint Oil-BasedOil-based paint and paint-replated supplies (except for spray paint) are no longer accepted at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility.

The PaintCare Program went into effect in 2021 and currently has three sites where paint and accepted paint-related supplies can be dropped off free of charge for recycling.

Find a drop-off location near you. All sites accept up to 5 gallons per visit (some sites accept up to 10 gallons). Please call ahead to confirm business hours and ask if they can accept the type and amount of paint you would like to recycle. Sites do not accept aerosols (spray paint), leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers.

Businesses, organizations, and households with 100 gallons or more can request a free large volume pickup. Learn more and request a pickup.

Paintcare Products

PaintCare sites accept house paint as well as primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings such as shellac and varnish.

To be accepted for drop-off, PaintCare products must be in their original containers of no larger than 5 gallons in size, must have the original manufacturer's printed label on the container, and must be covered with a secured lid. We cannot accept open or leaking cans.

Accepted

The following are PaintCare products included in the program. When purchased, the PaintCare fee is applied. These products are accepted at no additional cost when dropped off at PaintCare's participating drop-off sites.

  • Interior and exterior architectural paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, enamel (including textured coatings)
  • Deck coatings, floor paints (including elastomeric)
  • Primers, sealers, undercoaters
  • Stains
  • Shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (single component)
  • Waterproofing concrete / masonry / wood sealers and repellents (not tar or bitumen-based)
  • Metal coatings, rust preventatives
  • Field and lawn paints

Not Accepted

The following are non-PaintCare products and are not included in the program. When purchased, the PaintCare fee is not applied. They are not accepted at PaintCare's participating drop-off sites.

  • Paint thinners, mineral spirits, solvents
  • Aerosol paints (spray cans)
  • Auto and marine paints
  • Art and craft paints
  • Caulking compounds, epoxies, glues, adhesives
  • Paint additives, colorants, tints, resins
  • Wood preservatives (containing pesticides)
  • Roof patch and repair
  • Asphalt, tar and bitumen-based products
  • 2-component coatings
  • Deck cleaners
  • Traffic and road marking paints
  • Industrial Maintenance (IM) coatings
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (shop application) paints and finishes
  • Containers that are leaking or empty, and containers without the original printed manufacturer's label are not accepted at retail drop-off sites

If it must be disposed of, it can be solidified by putting cat litter or sawdust in the can and allowing the paint to solidify. Once the paint has hardened, it can be placed in the garbage can with regular pick up.

Accidental Ingestion of Hazardous Substance

Poison Help Line 800-222-1222

Poison HelpAn important phone number to have posted next to your phone or stored in your phone is the Washington Poison Center at 800-222-1222. The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) is a statewide provider of immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance on the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous, hazardous, or toxic substances. For more information on the services offered at WAPC, go to their website at Washington Poison Center.

If you have additional questions about Household Hazardous Waste or are unable to find the proper method of disposal for your waste, please contact us.