Isabella Flores
If you have leftover paint that you need to dispose of in Illinois, there are several options available to you. PaintCare will soon be offering drop-off sites throughout the state where the public can take paint for recycling and proper disposal. You can also dispose of your paint during your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection, although this method is very expensive for latex paint since it is not considered hazardous. To avoid this expense, you can dry out your latex paint and dispose of it in the garbage or recycle the can. Oil-based paint, on the other hand, is considered hazardous and must be disposed of at HHW collection sites.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal of latex paint | Dry it out and dispose of it in the garbage |
| Disposal of oil-based paint | Dispose of it at a local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection site |
| Paint recycling and drop-off locations | PaintCare offers drop-off sites throughout Illinois |
| Paint stewardship program | Expected to launch on December 1, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Oil-based paint disposal
Oil-based paints are considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly to avoid any negative impact on the environment. Here are some ways to dispose of oil-based paint in Illinois:
Use up the Paint
If you have a small amount of paint left, consider using it up. You can paint something else besides your intended project. Find an old piece of cardboard, scrap lumber, or even the inside of your garage and use up that last bit of paint. Once the paint is used up, let the can dry and then recycle or dispose of it.
Absorb and Dry the Paint
Use an absorbent material like kitty litter, sawdust, or shredded paper to dry out the paint. Add the absorbent to the can and mix it up. When the liquids are absorbed, you can dry the mixture or dispose of it directly. You may also be able to empty the can, dry it out, and recycle it.
Give Away Unused Paint
If you have a significant amount of paint left, consider giving it to someone who can use it. Schools or local theatres often need small amounts of paint for scenery, so reach out and see if they can take it off your hands.
Store it for Later
If you plan to use the paint for touch-ups or future projects, store it properly to extend its lifespan. Cover the opening with plastic wrap, ensure the lid is secure, and then turn the paint can upside down.
Paint Stewardship Program
Starting December 1, 2025, PaintCare will offer drop-off sites throughout Illinois for paint recycling and proper disposal. These sites will be available to households, businesses, and government agencies with unwanted paint.
Remember, proper disposal of oil-based paint is important to reduce environmental impact and comply with local regulations. Always follow the instructions and guidelines provided by your local waste management authorities.
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Latex paint disposal
Latex paint should not be brought to household hazardous waste collections in Illinois. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency encourages residents to dispose of old or unwanted latex paint on their own.
- Use up leftover paint by painting something else, such as an old piece of cardboard, scrap lumber, or the inside of your garage.
- Give leftover paint to someone else who might need it, such as a local school or theatre for small projects or scenery.
- Save leftover paint for future touch-ups or new projects. To prevent the paint from drying out, cover the opening with plastic wrap and ensure the lid is secure to prevent leaks.
- Mix the paint with an absorbent material such as kitty litter, sawdust, or shredded paper to dry it out, then dispose of the mixture.
- Let the paint dry out completely and then recycle or dispose of the empty can.
Additionally, PaintCare will offer drop-off sites throughout Illinois for paint recycling and proper disposal once their program launches, which is expected to be on December 1, 2025.
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Paint recycling
Paint is the most common material delivered by Illinois citizens at household hazardous waste collections. However, latex paint should not be brought to these collections, as it has a very low level of toxicity.
There are several ways to dispose of paint responsibly in Illinois. One option is to use up leftover paint by painting something else, such as an old piece of cardboard or scrap lumber. Another option is to give leftover paint to someone else who might need it, such as a local school or theatre. You can also store leftover paint for later use by covering the opening with plastic wrap and ensuring the lid is secure, then turning the can upside down.
Additionally, PaintCare will soon offer drop-off sites throughout Illinois where the public can take post-consumer (leftover) paint for recycling and proper disposal. These sites will be available to households, businesses, government agencies, and others with unwanted paint, and there is no charge for dropping off paint. The PaintCare program is funded by a fee applied to the purchase price of each container of new paint sold in the state. The Illinois paint stewardship program is expected to launch on December 1, 2025.
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Paint donation
If you have unwanted paint in Illinois, there are several options for responsible disposal, including donation. Paint donation is a great way to give usable paint a new life and keep it out of landfills. Here are some tips for paint donation in Illinois:
- Find a local organization in need: Some schools, theatres, or community groups may be in need of paint for projects or scenery. Reach out to local organizations to see if they can use your leftover paint.
- Utilize PaintCare drop-off sites: PaintCare is a great resource for paint donation and recycling. They have drop-off sites throughout Illinois that accept leftover paint from the public. These sites are typically located at retailers or household hazardous waste facilities. PaintCare's website provides a comprehensive listing of drop-off locations and their contact information. Please call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they can accept your specific type and amount of paint.
- Check with local waste management: Your local waste management authority may have programs or suggestions for paint donation or recycling. They can provide guidance on proper paint disposal methods and any upcoming household hazardous waste collection events.
- Offer to neighbours or online: If you have a small amount of usable paint, consider offering it to your neighbours or listing it online. Someone in your community may be looking for a small quantity of paint for a project and would gladly take it off your hands.
- Reuse and recycle: If you're unable to find a specific place to donate your paint, consider using it up yourself. Paint something else, like an old piece of furniture or a wall that needs a touch-up. You can also mix the paint with an absorbent like kitty litter to dry it out, then recycle the can.
Remember, latex paint should not be brought to household hazardous waste collections in Illinois. Always try to find a way to use up or donate leftover paint before disposing of it.
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Paint stewardship programs
PaintCare will soon launch a statewide paint recycling program in Illinois, following the passage of the Paint Stewardship Act in 2023. The program is expected to begin on December 1, 2025, and will offer drop-off sites for households, businesses, and government agencies to recycle and properly dispose of leftover paint.
The Paint Stewardship Act, signed into law by Governor Pritzker, requires manufacturers of architectural paint sold in Illinois to submit a plan for a post-consumer paint stewardship program to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). The IEPA conditionally approved PaintCare's program plan and fee structure on June 20, 2025.
PaintCare's program will be funded by a fee included in the purchase price of each container of new paint sold in the state. This fee will cover all aspects of the program, including collection, recycling, and disposal. There will be no additional charge for dropping off paint at a PaintCare site.
The program will partner with paint retail stores and local government sites, who can voluntarily choose to participate as drop-off locations. PaintCare already has over 2,400 voluntary collection sites in other states, with 77% located at retail locations. This provides convenience for consumers and increases customer traffic for small local retailers.
With the addition of Illinois, PaintCare will have 12 statewide programs working to recycle and properly dispose of paint, benefiting both the paint industry and the public.
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Frequently asked questions
Oil-based paints are considered hazardous and must be disposed of at a local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection site.
Latex paint is not considered hazardous and can be disposed of in the garbage once it's dried out. Alternatively, you can use up the leftover paint or give it to someone who might need it.
PaintCare will offer drop-off sites throughout Illinois where the public can take leftover paint for recycling and proper disposal. This program is expected to launch on December 1, 2025.
