Paints that contain lead, mercury, chromium or cadmium:

Do NOT use up and do NOT give away. Toxic metals will remain in painted item. Take to municipal paint collection program, if accepted, or save for a hazardous household waste collection day or take to a commercial hazardous waste facility.

 

For surplus latex or oil-based paints: Take to the municipal surplus paint collection program, if available.

Hardened oil-based paint can also be disposed of in the trash. Surplus oil-based paint should be saved for a hazardous household waste collection event.

Empty paint cans: Empty paint cans may be accepted in community scrap metal programs. If recycling is not feasible, empty paint cans may be disposed of in the trash. Leave lids off so the hauler can see that the can is empty.