How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Chicago, IL

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Chicago, Illinois and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • Latex or oil-based house paint: drop it off free at an Illinois PaintCare site, up to 5 gallons per visit, in the original labeled can.
  • Oil-based paint, spray paint and thinners: the city's HCCRF at 1150 N. North Branch St. accepts them. It doesn't accept latex paint.
  • Small amount of latex paint: the city says you can dry it out, put it in the trash, and recycle the empty can.

Your options in Chicago

Illinois PaintCare drop-off sites (latex and oil-based) Free

Illinois's paint stewardship program, run by PaintCare, began December 1, 2025. PaintCare sites, mostly paint and hardware stores plus some government facilities, accept latex and oil-based architectural paint, primers, stains, sealers and varnishes from any brand. Paint must be in its original container with its original label. Every site accepts up to five gallons per customer, and some accept more. Drop-off is free; the program is funded by a fee on new paint. The Illinois EPA says PaintCare sites don't accept aerosols (spray paint). Call the site ahead to confirm hours and amounts.

Find a site
PaintCare site locator (paintcare.org) or hotline (855) PAINT09
Large amounts
Free pickup may be available for 100+ gallons (PaintCare Large Volume Pickup; restrictions apply)

Sources: PaintCare – Illinois program and drop-off locations; PaintCare – Statewide Paint Recycling Program Debuts in Illinois (Dec. 1, 2025); Illinois EPA – Paint

City of Chicago HCCRF (oil-based paint, spray paint, thinners) Free

The HCCRF accepts oil-based paints, aerosol paints and paint thinners, along with solvents such as stains, paint strippers and sealers. It doesn't accept latex paint. Chemicals go to the blue building, and an attendant checks your items. Business waste isn't accepted.

Address
1150 N. North Branch St., Chicago, IL 60642
Hours
Tuesday 7 a.m.–12 p.m. · Thursday 2–7 p.m. · First Saturday of every month 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Source: City of Chicago – Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility

Dry out small amounts of latex paint Free

Chicago Streets and Sanitation says you can absorb leftover latex paint with kitty litter, shredded paper or sawdust, or pour it into a bag. Once it dries, throw the bag or absorbent material away and recycle the empty can. The city also suggests using up, donating or storing leftover paint.

Source: City of Chicago Streets & Sanitation – How to Dispose of Latex Paint

Don't do this

  • Don't bring latex paint to the HCCRF. The city says it's no longer accepted there.
  • Don't bring spray paint to a PaintCare site. Take aerosols to the HCCRF instead.
  • Don't put liquid paint in the trash. Dry latex paint out first, and take oil-based paint to the HCCRF or a PaintCare site.

Or pay someone to haul it

If you can't get it to a drop-off site, or can't wait for city pickup, a junk-removal service can take it from inside your home. Prices depend on the company, your location and the size of the load, so get a quote first. Ask whether they recycle or donate items and whether they follow Chicago's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I drop off old paint in Chicago?

Illinois PaintCare drop-off sites take both latex and oil-based house paint free, up to five gallons per visit, in the original labeled container. The city's HCCRF at 1150 N. North Branch St. takes oil-based paint, spray paint and thinners, but not latex.

Can I throw latex paint in the trash in Chicago?

The city says to dry it out first with kitty litter, shredded paper or sawdust (or pour it into a bag), then throw away the dried material and recycle the empty can.

Does PaintCare take spray paint?

No. The Illinois EPA says PaintCare drop-off sites don't accept aerosols. Chicago residents can take spray paint to the HCCRF.

Is there a cost to recycle paint through PaintCare?

No. PaintCare says drop-off is free, and the program is paid for by a PaintCare fee on new paint sold in Illinois.

Sources

All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.

  1. PaintCare – Illinois program and drop-off locations
  2. PaintCare – Statewide Paint Recycling Program Debuts in Illinois (Dec. 1, 2025)
  3. Illinois EPA – Paint
  4. City of Chicago – Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility
  5. City of Chicago Streets & Sanitation – How to Dispose of Latex Paint