How to Dispose of Old Paint

Do you have paint cans that you need to get rid of but don’t know how to? Here's a quick guide on how to safely dispose of latex and oil-based paint.

If you don’t want to take your old latex paint to the recycling center, you can follow these steps:

1. Combine with Cat Litter: Add equal parts cat litter to the latex paint in the can. If you have more than half a can, you can also pour the paint into a lined box or trash can. Then pour in the cat litter.

2. Allow the Mixture to Set: Stir the cat litter into the paint until it thickens and won't spill. Allow the mixture to sit for one hour.

3. Throw It Away: Throw the dried paint in the can in the garbage. Be sure to remove the lid from the can.

If you don't have much paint left in the can, you can just remove the lid and let the paint dry out on its own.

Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste and must be taken to the appropriate disposal or drop-off center. In the Atlanta area you can contact:

• Atlanta Paint Disposal: 404-333-8763

  • Schedule a pick up. Pick up routes run between 9am-5pm. Simply set out your old or unwanted paint outside your garage or carport and Atlanta Paint Disposal will take care of the rest.

  • Drop it off at any of their convenient drop off partners locations which includes some ACE Hardwares, Benjamin Moore Paint Stores, and other retailers.

• Drop it off at the Advanced Disposal Services (ADS) Transfer Station: 770-528-2500

  • 1897 County Services Parkway, Marietta, 30008

  • Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 7a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED. County Holidays: CLOSED.