What you do with old paint depends on whether it is latex or oil-based. Latex paint that has been dried out solid can go in household trash in most of the United States. Oil-based paint is household hazardous waste everywhere and must go to a proper collection point. Neither should ever be poured down a drain or onto the ground.
Where to take old paint
A PaintCare drop-off site. PaintCare is an industry-funded programme that operates in a number of US states, paid for by a fee added to paint at the point of sale. Drop-off is free at the point of use because the fee has already been paid. Sites are usually hosted inside paint and hardware retailers, so a store may be a valid drop-off point even though the retailer does not run the programme itself. PaintCare publishes a site finder covering participating states.
Your household hazardous waste facility. Every county has a route for oil-based paint, solvents and stains, either a permanent HHW site or scheduled collection days. This is the correct destination for oil-based paint in states without a PaintCare programme.
A community reuse or swap shop. Usable paint in a sealed container is worth more as paint than as waste. Some HHW facilities run a free paint shelf, and some Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations accept usable paint, though acceptance varies by location and many do not. Call before loading the car.
The dry-out rule for latex paint
Latex or water-based paint is not classed as hazardous waste in most of the country once it is fully solid. Leave the lid off in a ventilated space away from children and pets, or stir in cat litter, sawdust or a commercial paint hardener to speed it up. Once there is no liquid left, the can goes in household trash with the lid off so the crew can see it is solid. Check your own municipality first, because a few areas require latex paint to go to HHW regardless.
What does not work
There is no manufacturer mail-back scheme for household paint. Paint is heavy, classed as hazardous in transit when oil-based, and no major brand runs a consumer return-by-post programme. Electronics retailers do not accept paint either. If you are offered either route, check it directly with the company before making the trip.
Buying less in the first place
Paint calculators on manufacturer sites are usually accurate to within a few percent, and most retailers will mix a smaller quantity for touch-ups rather than a full can. Leftover paint stored somewhere that does not freeze stays usable for years, which turns a disposal problem into a supply.
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