You Probably Have Old Paint. Here’s How to Get Rid of It.
The average Denver homeowner has 5-15 cans of old paint in the garage. Half-used gallons from every room you’ve ever painted, spray paint cans, stain, primer, and that "accent wall" color that didn’t work out. Here’s how to dispose of all of it properly.
The Key Rule: Liquid Paint Is Hazardous Waste. Dried Paint Is Trash.
- Liquid latex/water-based paint = Household hazardous waste. Cannot go in the trash.
- Liquid oil-based paint = Hazardous waste. Definitely cannot go in the trash.
- Dried-out paint (any type) = Regular trash. Can go in your bin.
- Empty paint cans = Recyclable metal. Lid off, in the recycling bin.
Free Paint Disposal Options in Denver
1. PaintCare Drop-Off Sites (Free — Year-Round)
Colorado participates in the PaintCare program, which provides free drop-off for paint at participating retailers. This is the easiest option:
Denver-area PaintCare drop-off locations:
- Sherwin-Williams — Multiple Denver metro locations
- Benjamin Moore retailers
- Some Ace Hardware stores
- Some True Value stores
Visit paintcare.org and enter your zip code for the nearest location.
PaintCare accepts:
- Latex/water-based paint
- Oil-based paint and stain
- Primer and sealers
- Deck and floor coatings
PaintCare does NOT accept:
- Spray paint cans (aerosols)
- Paint thinner, mineral spirits, or solvents
- Two-component epoxy
- Industrial or commercial quantities
Limits: 5 gallons per visit at most locations. For larger quantities, call ahead.
2. Denver Household Hazardous Waste Events (Free — Periodic)
Denver hosts periodic household hazardous waste collection events where you can drop off:
- Paint (all types including spray paint)
- Paint thinner, mineral spirits, solvents
- Stain and varnish
- Plus other hazmat: batteries, cleaners, pesticides, motor oil
Check Denver’s Recycle & Compost website or call 311 for the current 2026 schedule. Events are usually held quarterly and fill up — arrive early.
3. Arapahoe County Hazardous Waste Facility (Free for Residents)
If you live in Arapahoe County (Centennial, Littleton, Englewood, Aurora south):
- Location: 7600 S. Peoria St, Englewood
- Hours: Open year-round, Tuesday-Saturday
- Accepts: Paint, chemicals, batteries, electronics, motor oil, and more
- Cost: Free for Arapahoe County residents
How to Dry Out Latex Paint for Regular Trash
If you don’t want to drive to a drop-off, you can dry out latex (water-based) paint and throw it in the regular trash:
- Less than 1/4 can remaining: Remove the lid and let it air-dry. Takes 2-7 days in Denver’s dry climate.
- More than 1/4 can: Mix in kitty litter, sawdust, or paint hardener (sold at hardware stores for $3-$5). Stir until the paint solidifies. Let it dry with the lid off for 24-48 hours.
- Once completely solid: Put the can (lid off) in your regular trash bin. The trash collector needs to see that the paint is dried to accept it.
Denver’s dry climate is your friend here. Paint dries much faster in Colorado’s low humidity than in other parts of the country.
This method does NOT work for oil-based paint. Oil-based paint and stain must go to a hazardous waste drop-off regardless of whether it’s dried.
What About Spray Paint Cans?
Aerosol spray paint cans are pressurized and classified differently:
- Completely empty cans (no pressure when you press the nozzle) = Regular recycling bin
- Partially full cans = Hazardous waste drop-off (PaintCare does NOT accept aerosols)
What Junk Removal Can and Can’t Take
- We CAN take: Dried paint cans, empty cans, dried-out primer, solid paint waste
- We CANNOT take: Liquid paint, paint thinner, solvents, or aerosol cans with pressure
If you’re doing a garage cleanout and have a mix of dried and liquid paint cans, we’ll take the dried ones and leave the liquid ones for you to drop off at a PaintCare site or hazardous waste event.
Renovation Generating a Lot of Paint Waste?
If you’re renovating and need to dispose of paint alongside other debris (old drywall, trim, fixtures), schedule a construction debris pickup for the non-hazardous items and handle paint separately through PaintCare or a hazardous waste event.
Stop Storing Old Paint
Most homeowners keep old paint "for touch-ups." Here’s the reality: after 2-3 years, latex paint separates, gets chunky, or dries out. And the wall color has faded from UV exposure, so the touch-up won’t match anyway. If paint has been in your garage for more than 3 years, it’s time to let it go.
Call (303) 324-6014 for questions about what we can remove from your garage, or book online for a garage cleanout that handles everything except the hazmat.
