How to Dispose of Paint Cans and Old Paint in Oregon

If you have been in your Oregon home for more than a few years, chances are you have a collection of old paint cans sitting in the garage or basement. Half-used gallons from the bedroom repaint three years ago, a quart of trim paint you cannot quite identify, and a few cans so old the labels have peeled off. You are not alone. The average American household has four or more leftover partial cans of paint at any given time.

The good news is that Oregon makes paint disposal easier than most states thanks to the PaintCare program. This guide covers every option for getting rid of old paint responsibly in Oregon.

Latex vs Oil-Based Paint: Why It Matters

The first step in disposing of old paint is figuring out what type you have. This determines your disposal options:

Latex (Water-Based) Paint

Most interior paint sold in the last 30 years is latex. Check the label for "water-based," "acrylic," or "latex." This paint cleans up with water when wet. Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste in Oregon, which gives you more disposal options.

Oil-Based Paint, Stains, and Solvents

Oil-based paints, wood stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and paint thinner are classified as hazardous waste in Oregon. These products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flammable solvents. They require special handling and cannot go in regular trash, even when dried.

How to tell the difference: If the label says to clean brushes with mineral spirits or paint thinner, it is oil-based. If it says clean with soap and water, it is latex.

Option 1: PaintCare Drop-Off (Free)

Oregon joined the PaintCare program in 2010, making it one of the first states to implement an Extended Producer Responsibility program for paint. Under this program, paint manufacturers fund a network of drop-off locations where Oregon residents can bring unwanted paint for free.

What PaintCare Accepts

• Latex and acrylic paint
• Oil-based paint and stain
• Primers, sealers, and undercoats
• Deck and wood stains
• Varnishes and shellacs

What PaintCare Does NOT Accept

• Paint thinner and solvents (these go to hazardous waste)
• Aerosol spray paint
• Industrial or commercial coatings
• Paint with no label or unknown contents
• Containers larger than five gallons

PaintCare Drop-Off Locations Along the I-5 Corridor

There are over 150 PaintCare drop-off sites across Oregon. Common locations include:

• Sherwin-Williams — Multiple locations in Portland, Salem, Corvallis, and Eugene
• Miller Paint — Oregon-based chain with locations throughout the I-5 corridor
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Portland and Eugene locations accept usable leftover paint
• Many local hardware stores — Numerous independent paint retailers participate

Visit paintcare.org to find the nearest drop-off location. Most locations accept up to five gallons per visit with no appointment needed.

Option 2: Dry Out Latex Paint for Regular Trash

If you have latex paint (not oil-based), you can dry it out and put it in your regular household trash. Oregon DEQ approves this method for latex paint. Here is how:

For Small Amounts (Less Than an Inch in the Can)

1. Remove the lid and let the paint air-dry in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets
2. Once completely solid, place the can with the dried paint in your regular trash
3. Leave the lid off so the trash collector can see the paint is dry

For Larger Amounts

1. Pour the paint into a cardboard box lined with a plastic bag
2. Mix in kitty litter, sawdust, or a commercial paint hardener (available at hardware stores for about $3 to $5)
3. Stir thoroughly and let it dry completely, which may take 24 to 48 hours
4. Once solid, place the hardened paint and the empty can in your regular trash

Pro tip: Do this on a warm, dry day. Oregon's damp climate can slow the drying process significantly, especially in winter months.

Option 3: County Hazardous Waste Collection

For oil-based paint, stains, solvents, and paint thinner, your best option is your county's hazardous waste program:

Portland Metro Area

Metro Household Hazardous Waste Facilities accept oil-based paint and related products year-round at two locations: Metro South in Oregon City and Metro Central in NW Portland. There is no charge for household quantities. Hours and specific accepted items are available at oregonmetro.gov.

Lane County (Eugene-Springfield)

Lane County operates periodic Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events throughout the year. Check with Lane County Waste Management for the next scheduled event. The Glenwood transfer station also accepts some hazardous materials on designated days.

Marion County (Salem)

Marion County holds Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events several times per year. Salem residents can also check with the Marion County Environmental Services division for year-round drop-off options.

Benton County (Corvallis)

Benton County offers periodic hazardous waste collection events. Republic Services customers in Corvallis may have access to additional disposal options.

Option 4: Professional Junk Removal

If you have a garage full of old paint cans mixed with other junk, a professional junk removal service can handle the entire cleanout. The crew will sort through your items and ensure paint is disposed of through the proper channels.

This option makes sense when paint cans are just part of a larger cleanout project. Rather than making separate trips to PaintCare, the transfer station, and the hazardous waste facility, one crew handles everything in a single visit.

Oregon-Specific Paint Disposal Rules

• PaintCare surcharge: When you buy paint in Oregon, a small surcharge is added to the price (typically $0.35 to $1.60 per container depending on size). This funds the PaintCare recycling program. You have already paid for disposal when you bought the paint.
• DEQ regulations: Oregon DEQ classifies oil-based paint as hazardous waste. Improper disposal can result in fines and cleanup liability.
• Drain disposal prohibited: Pouring any paint down drains, storm sewers, or onto the ground violates Oregon water quality regulations. Even latex paint can harm waterways and wastewater treatment systems.
• Business vs residential: PaintCare and hazardous waste events are typically for residential quantities. Contractors and businesses may need to use commercial hazardous waste disposal services.

What About Empty Paint Cans?

Empty paint cans have different disposal rules depending on the material:

• Empty metal paint cans — Remove the lid and place both in your curbside recycling bin. Most Oregon recycling programs accept metal cans. The can must be empty or have only a thin dried residue.
• Empty plastic paint buckets — Check the recycling number on the bottom. Most curbside programs do not accept plastic paint buckets, but some transfer stations do.
• Aerosol paint cans — Completely empty aerosol cans (no hissing when the nozzle is pressed) can go in curbside recycling. Partially full aerosol cans are considered hazardous waste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Putting liquid paint in the trash. Liquid paint of any type should never go in your regular trash. It can leak and contaminate other waste, and your hauler may refuse the pickup.
• Pouring paint down the drain. Even small amounts of paint can damage plumbing, contaminate septic systems, and harm Oregon's waterways.
• Storing old paint indefinitely. Paint has a shelf life of two to ten years depending on type. If you have cans from the previous homeowner that are rusted through, hardened, or smell off, it is time to dispose of them.
• Mixing different paint types together. Do not combine latex and oil-based paints. This creates a hazardous mixture that is harder to dispose of.
• Assuming all paint is hazardous. Latex paint is not hazardous waste in Oregon. Do not pay for hazardous waste disposal when you can use PaintCare or dry-and-trash methods for free.