
Properly disposing of paint is an important step in any home improvement project. While tossing paint cans into the trash may seem like a convenient option, it's essential to consider the environmental impact and local regulations. In Arizona, the rules for paint disposal vary across cities. Some municipalities, like Scottsdale, advise against putting paint in trash cans, offering alternative disposal methods such as drying out the paint or providing designated drop-off locations. Other cities, like Glendale, allow dried paint or paint hardened by residents to be discarded in the garbage. Understanding the specific guidelines in your area is crucial to ensure compliance and environmentally responsible paint disposal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scottsdale | Does not accept paint in trash cans. Scottsdale Waste customers get 3 free hazardous pickups a year. |
| Peoria | Does not accept latex paint in their Household Hazardous Waste Pickup service. |
| Glendale | Accepts oil-based paints in their hazardous pickup. |
| Tempe | Accepts paint at 1320 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281 |
| Mesa | Accepts all paint-related products at 2412 N. |
| Chandler | Accepts paint at 955 E Queen Creek Rd, Chandler, AZ. Limited to 25 gallons. |
| Queen Creek | Recycling Days in October, November, January, and April. |
| Gilbert | Accepts oil-based paints and solvents at 2224 E Queen Creek Rd, Wednesday to Saturday, 7 am-2:30 pm. Limited to 10 gallons per day. |
| Goodyear | Offers seasonal pickups or drop-offs with ActEnviro. |
| Buckeye | Accepts paint at 23454 MC 85, Buckeye, AZ 85326. Requires scheduling a drop-off time. |
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What You'll Learn

Drying out paint for disposal
In Arizona, the disposal of paint cans and their contents is regulated by the local government. For instance, Scottsdale will pick up 20 gallons of paint per appointment, and Scottsdale Waste customers are entitled to 3 free hazardous pickups per year. Peoria will not accept latex paint in its Household Hazardous Waste Pickup service, and will only pick up a maximum of 5 gallons of oil-based paint. Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler also have specific locations for paint disposal.
To dispose of paint, it is important to dry it out first. This is because liquid paint can be hazardous and toxic, depending on its composition. For example, water-based paints may contain cadmium, cobalt, manganese, chromium, or lead. Therefore, it is recommended to dry out the paint before disposing of it in the trash.
Latex paint, in particular, should be dried out before disposal. This can be done by pouring the paint onto a tarp and allowing it to dry completely. Once dry, the paint can be bagged up and placed in the regular trash. It is important to note that liquid paint should not be poured down the drain or dumped on the ground, as it can contaminate water sources.
Additionally, consider other options for paint disposal besides throwing it away. For example, you can donate large quantities of unused latex paint to an arts center or improvement project. Just make sure the paint is not contaminated and has not gone through a freeze-thaw cycle. You can also reuse leftover paint for smaller projects, such as giving new life to a birdhouse, an old bookcase, or outdoor furniture.
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Disposing of oil-based paints
Oil-based paints are toxic and hazardous to the environment and therefore need to be disposed of properly. Improper paint disposal can harm the environment.
Firstly, check with your city's website to find the hours of operation and rules for proper paint disposal. All cities will require you to show a picture ID and a city utility bill to prove that you are a resident before they accept your old paint.
If you live in Peoria, the city will pick up no more than 5 gallons of oil-based paint. Glendale will also take oil-based paints in their hazardous pickup, and you can also dry out the paint and dispose of it in the trash. In Tempe, take your paint to 1320 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281. In Mesa, you can drop off any paint-related products at 2412 N. Center St., Bldg. #2 · Mesa, AZ 85201.
If you have paint left over, you can dry out the remnant paint before disposal. You can use cat litter, sawdust, or concrete mix to speed up the process. You can also just leave the lid off for a few days. Never dispose of oil-based paint by pouring it on the ground or down a drain as this can damage pipes and infect the water supply. This is considered an illegal act.
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Disposing of water-based paints
Disposing of paint in an eco-friendly and safe manner is crucial. Water-based or latex paints are generally considered non-hazardous and can be disposed of in your regular household trash, but only once they have dried up completely.
To dispose of water-based paints, follow these steps:
- Pour the paint into a lined box or trash can: If you have a small amount of paint left in the can, simply remove the lid and let it dry out. For larger amounts, line a cardboard box or trash can with plastic and pour the paint inside.
- Solidify the paint: Add equal parts of a drying material, such as cat litter, to the paint and stir until it thickens and solidifies. You can also use other absorbent materials like sawdust or sand.
- Wait for it to dry: Set the can or box aside for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The paint will have an oatmeal-like consistency and will be ready for disposal when it's completely dry.
- Dispose of the dried paint: Throw the hardened paint into the garbage, leaving the lid off the can so waste collectors can verify that it has solidified.
It is important to note that different areas may have specific requirements and restrictions for paint disposal. For example, in Scottsdale, Arizona, paint should not be put in trash cans, and the city provides a pickup service for a limited quantity of paint. Always check with your local guidelines to ensure you are disposing of water-based paints correctly.
Additionally, consider other options before disposing of water-based paints:
- Reuse: Small amounts of paint can be mixed with other colors or used as a primer coat.
- Donate: Unopened cans of paint can be donated to schools, community groups, or given to neighbors who might need them.
- Recycle: Some communities have specific days for recycling paint and other hazardous materials.
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Disposing of paint in Scottsdale
If you have paint that you need to dispose of in Scottsdale, Arizona, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Scottsdale's website states that paint should not be disposed of in regular trash cans. Instead, the city offers a paint pickup service, allowing up to 20 gallons per appointment, and Scottsdale Waste customers are entitled to three free hazardous pickups per year.
To dispose of your paint, one method is to dry it out and harden it before disposal. This method is applicable for both water-based and latex paints. However, it is important to note that the city of Peoria will not accept latex paint as part of their Household Hazardous Waste Pickup service. On the other hand, the city of Glendale accepts oil-based paints in their hazardous pickup and will also take paint that is not hardened. Alternatively, you can dispose of dried and hardened latex paint directly in the trash.
If you have a large quantity of paint to dispose of, you may need to utilise drop-off services. In nearby Chandler, you can drop off paint at 955 E Queen Creek Rd, Chandler, AZ, with a limit of 25 gallons. Gilbert residents can dispose of up to 10 gallons of paint per day at 2224 E Queen Creek Rd, Wednesday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Additionally, Mesa residents can drop off any paint-related products at 2412 N Mesa, AZ 85201.
Before disposing of paint, it is always worth checking if it is still usable. If the paint's colour, consistency, and smell are intact, consider taking it to Paint Supplies & Surplus in South Phoenix. Donating usable paint is an excellent way to reduce waste and support your community.
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Disposing of paint in Mesa
Disposing of paint can be tricky, and it is important to do it properly and in an eco-friendly way. In Mesa, Arizona, there are a few options for getting rid of unwanted paint. Firstly, check if the paint is still usable. If it is, consider taking it to Paint Supplies & Surplus in South Phoenix, but remember to call ahead. If the paint is not usable, you have a few options for disposal. One method is to dry out latex paint and put it in the trash. This method is suitable for water-based paints, but it is important to note that some cities, like Peoria, will not accept latex paint as part of their Household Hazardous Waste Pickup service.
Another option for Mesa residents is to drop off any paint-related products at 2412 N. Mesa, AZ 85201. This site accepts all types of paint and related products, with no limit on quantity. Alternatively, if you are unable to transport your unwanted paint, you can schedule a pickup. Scottsdale offers this service, collecting up to 20 gallons of paint per appointment, and providing three free hazardous pickups per year for Scottsdale Waste customers.
It is important to note that paint should not be placed in regular trash cans, and some cities have specific guidelines for the types of paint they will accept for disposal. For example, Peoria will only accept up to 5 gallons of oil-based paint, while Glendale will take oil-based paints and non-hardened paint as part of their hazardous pickup service. Always check with your local waste management guidelines to ensure you are disposing of paint safely and correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, paint cans are considered hazardous waste and should not be put in the trash.
This depends on the city and type of paint. In some cities, like Scottsdale, you can have paint picked up, while in others, like Mesa, you must drop off your paint at a designated location. Check with your city to find out their specific guidelines.
No, paint cans are not recyclable.
To dispose of latex paint, dry it out and harden it before throwing it away. For oil-based paint, check with your city, as some will accept it during hazardous waste pickup, while others will not.











































