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Montgomery County, Maryland
MC311

How to recycle / dispose paint (oil-based)

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We accept oil-based paint and stain products from your home as household hazardous waste at our Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station at no additional charge.

The solvents in oil-based paint are flammable, and the resins, solvents, pigments, and additives can be toxic when breathed or touched.

Sorry, we do not offer curbside pickups of household hazardous materials.

See instructions for latex and water-based paints and stains

How do I prepare paint for disposal at the Household Hazardous Waste facility?

For your safety and protection, place the paint in a sealed, leak-proof container or bag, and keep your vehicle well-ventilated during transportation to the facility.

How much paint may I drop off?

The Household Hazardous Waste drop-off is only for Montgomery County residents bringing up to five (5) gallons of wet paint per calendar month. You must provide proof of residency. Attendants at the site have the right to refuse loads that appear to be commercial in nature.

Paint from businesses may qualify for our ECOWISE program.

How do I dispose of empty paint cans?

If the cans from your oil-based paint or stain products are empty, put them into your regular trash.

How do I dispose of aerosol cans which held oil-based products?

If the cans are empty, put them into your regular trash.

If they still contain product, and are from your home, bring them to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station as household hazardous waste.

Is your paint still in usable condition?

If your paint is still in usable condition and has not been frozen, bring it to our Household Hazardous Waste facility at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station for reuse. We place usable paint into our Paint Giveaway, where Montgomery County residents may pick it up for free.

At any time of the year, consider offering usable paint on:

  • your neighborhood email list
  • Buy Nothing, Craigslist, Freecycle, or similar places.

Locations accepted

  • Transfer Station

Material type

  • Other