Curbside GuideHow to dispose of paint in New York City, NY
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Quick answer
Dry out small amounts of latex paint and trash them. Bring full cans of latex to a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site, and oil-based paint to a SAFE Disposal Event or PaintCare site. Empty dry cans go in recycling.
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- Latex (water-based)
- Small amounts: let it dry (or mix in kitty litter/newspaper) and put it in the trash. Leftover cans: DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site (up to 5 gallons per visit), a SAFE Disposal Event, or a PaintCare drop-off site.
- Oil-based
- Not accepted at Special Waste Drop-Off Sites. Bring it to a DSNY SAFE Disposal Event or a PaintCare site. For a can or two, soak it up with kitty litter in a black trash bag and put it in the trash.
- Where to drop off
- DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Sites (latex only); SAFE Disposal Events in all five boroughs (next: Sat Oct 24, 2026, Orchard Beach, Bronx, 10am–4pm); PaintCare retail sites.
- Cost / limits
- Free for NYC residents. Proof of residency may be asked at SAFE events.
- Tip
- Empty, dry metal or plastic paint cans go in your recycling.
Official source: www.nyc.gov · portal.311.nyc.gov · www.nyc.gov
FAQ
How do I dispose of paint in NYC?
Dry out small amounts of latex paint and trash them. Bring full cans of latex to a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site, and oil-based paint to a SAFE Disposal Event or PaintCare site. Empty dry cans go in recycling.
How do I get rid of latex paint in NYC?
Small amounts: let it dry (or mix in kitty litter/newspaper) and put it in the trash. Leftover cans: DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site (up to 5 gallons per visit), a SAFE Disposal Event, or a PaintCare drop-off site.
How do I get rid of oil-based paint in NYC?
Not accepted at Special Waste Drop-Off Sites. Bring it to a DSNY SAFE Disposal Event or a PaintCare site. For a can or two, soak it up with kitty litter in a black trash bag and put it in the trash.
Where can I drop off paint in NYC?
DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Sites (latex only); SAFE Disposal Events in all five boroughs (next: Sat Oct 24, 2026, Orchard Beach, Bronx, 10am–4pm); PaintCare retail sites.
Does paint disposal cost anything in NYC?
Free for NYC residents. Proof of residency may be asked at SAFE events.