Paint

Water-based paint will be labeled “acrylic,” “latex” or “water based.” Acrylic/latex paint can easily be cleaned off of hands with soap and water. When completely dried out and emptied, the metal paint can either be recycled or disposed in the trash. Check with your local transfer station or curbside hauler.

How to dispose of water-based paint:

• Just a little paint: Remove the paint can lid and let it dry out. Once dried, you can toss with your household trash.
• 1/4 can of paint: Add a drying agent like cat litter, cardboard scraps, or sawdust to soak up the paint and let it dry. Once dried, you can toss with your household trash.
• 1/2 can of paint: Layer paint and drying agents (listed above) in a cardboard box until dried. Once dried, you can toss with your household trash.
• Full or mostly full paint cans: As long as it hasn't gone bad, you can donate the paint to Habitat for Humanity. Find a location near you by calling 1-800-HABITAT (1-800-422-4828).

Oil-based, lead-based, or solvent-based paint, stains, and varnishes are hazardous and should not be disposed in the trash. They may be labeled as “gel paint,” “enamel” or “oil based.” Bring them to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event or permanent facility for safe disposal. Air drying oil-based paint is not recommended, but if the paint has completely solidified in a closed can, you can dispose of it in your regular trash.

• Lead inspections and lead abatement work requires a valid license. Learn about the difference between lead abatement vs. work that disturbs lead paint.

Aerosol paints are considered universal waste and may be brought to your local transfer station or HHW collection. Learn how to dispose of aerosols.

Artist or hobby paint may contain solvents or heavy metals. Households should dispose of art paints with heavy metals at a HHW collection event or permanent facility. Acrylic artist paint can be left out to dry and put in the regular trash.

• Fact Sheet HW-14: Pollution Prevention Tips for Paint 
• NHDES BMPs for Paint
• Chemical Hazards in the Art Room
• Lakes Region Planning Commission Quick Guide: Latex Paint Disposal

Questions?

Households and municipalities should contact the NHDES HHW Program via email at hhw@des.nh.gov or by phone at (603) 271-2047. Learn more about hazardous waste.

Are you a business? Visit our webpage for small/full quantity generators.

Visit our Managing My Waste page to learn about other types of household waste.