How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Clifton, NJ

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Clifton, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • New Jersey has no PaintCare paint drop-off program. A paint stewardship bill (S666) is pending in the 2026–27 Legislature, but it isn't law.
  • Oil-based paint, varnishes, stains and thinners go to a free Passaic County household hazardous waste (HHW) day. The next one is Sunday, November 1, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m., at the City of Passaic lot, 141 First Street.
  • Latex paint isn't accepted at county HHW days. Passaic County towns tell residents to dry it out and put it in the trash. Clifton's site doesn't spell this out, so check with the city's Recycling Office (973-470-2239).
  • Clifton's garbage rules say not to put hazardous waste in your garbage.

Your options in Clifton

Passaic County household hazardous waste day (oil-based paint) Free

Clifton's Health Department brochure points residents to Passaic County's free HHW collections and lists oil-based paints as accepted and latex paint as not accepted. The county's 2026 flyer lists four collection days. The last one of 2026 is in neighboring Passaic. They run rain or shine, you need proof of Passaic County residency, and commercial generators aren't accepted. Clifton's pages say the county holds HHW days 3 times a year, but the 2026 county flyer lists 4, so go by the county flyer.

Next date
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m. – City of Passaic lot, 141 First Street
Bring
Proof of Passaic County residency
Questions
Passaic County recycling office, 973-305-5738

Sources: Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF); City of Clifton Health Department – What Should I Do With Hazardous Waste? (PDF); City of Clifton – Rules for the Collection of Garbage

Latex paint: dry it out, then trash it Free

Latex paint isn't accepted at county HHW days, per both Clifton's brochure and the county flyer. Pompton Lakes, another Passaic County town, gives these steps. Get the can to half full or less. Mix in clay kitty litter or another absorbent until the paint won't pour, which takes about one to two days. Then put the can in the trash with the lid off so the hauler can see it's dry. We didn't find latex-paint instructions on Clifton's own site, so check with the city's Recycling Office (973-470-2239) before you set it out.

Sources: Borough of Pompton Lakes (Passaic County) – Latex Paint Disposal; City of Clifton Health Department – What Should I Do With Hazardous Waste? (PDF); Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF)

Use it up or give it away Free

The easiest disposal is no disposal. Use leftover paint for touch-ups or primer coats, or offer usable cans to neighbors, community groups or local reuse groups.

PaintCare in New Jersey: not available Check with city

PaintCare runs retail paint drop-off sites only in states with paint stewardship laws, and its state list doesn't include New Jersey. The NJ Legislature's 2026–27 bill S666 would create a program, but as of October 21, 2026 it hasn't become law.

Sources: PaintCare – program states; NJ Legislature – S666 (2026–27) paint stewardship bill

Don't do this

  • Don't put liquid paint in the trash or pour it down a drain or storm sewer.
  • Don't bring latex paint to a county HHW day. The county lists it as unacceptable.
  • Don't put oil-based paint or other hazardous waste in your garbage. Clifton's rules prohibit it.

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 Clifton's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a PaintCare drop-off in Clifton?

No. PaintCare doesn't operate in New Jersey because the state hasn't passed a paint stewardship law. Bill S666 is pending in 2026–27.

When is the next hazardous waste day for Clifton residents?

Sunday, November 1, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m., at the City of Passaic lot, 141 First Street, per the county's 2026 flyer. Earlier 2026 dates were March 28, May 30 and September 20. Call 973-305-5738 to confirm.

Who do I ask in Clifton about hazardous waste?

Clifton's brochure lists the city Recycling Office (973-470-2239) and the Health Department (973-470-5760). For county HHW days, call 973-305-5738.

Sources

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

  1. Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF)
  2. City of Clifton Health Department – What Should I Do With Hazardous Waste? (PDF)
  3. City of Clifton – Rules for the Collection of Garbage
  4. Borough of Pompton Lakes (Passaic County) – Latex Paint Disposal
  5. NJ Legislature – S666 (2026–27) paint stewardship bill
  6. PaintCare – program states