Latex & Other Water-based Paints

Unlike oil-based paints that require special handling through our free Eco-Depot program, latex and other water-based paints are not considered hazardous waste.

If your cans are still near-full, you may want to first try giving them away.  You can post them on the "FREE" section of Craigslist and use RIRRC's free exchange site.

If a free exchange isn't an option, these paints are safe for disposal as regular household trash, but need to be hardened for the safety of workers and equipment. If there isn’t too much paint left, just leave it out with the lid off and it will dry without having to add anything.  You can actually scoop out the paint, place it in the trash, and recycle the latex paint can in your blue bin. If there is a significant amount left, you can do this with paint hardener (about $2 at a home improvement store), saw dust, or even kitty litter. 

Try placing the cans of hardened paint directly in a trash bag, and then in the trash can. If your city/town allows it, and you need to leave them out on the side of the trash, be sure to leave the lids off so you hauler can see they are hardened.  You can also try leaving a note, in both English and Spanish, with the cans. Something like:

Paint is hardened. Please discard in the trash.
La pintura está endurecida.  Por favor, échela en la basura.

As always, questions regarding your curbside pick-up and local drop-off services should be directed to your Department of Public Works.  You can find their contact information here.