How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Edison, NJ

✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official Edison, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Edison's Recycling Center and clean-up programs don't take paint or other household hazardous waste.
Middlesex County runs free paint drop-off days on weekends, 8 a.m.–noon, at town sites around the county, for county residents.
The county's last 2026 household hazardous waste day is Sunday, November 15, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., at Middlesex College, 2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison.
Dried-out latex paint and empty cans can go in your regular trash, the county says.

Illustration of three leftover paint cans and a paintbrush

Your options in Edison

Middlesex County paint drop-off days Free

The county takes latex and oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, lacquers, thinners, spray paint and driveway sealer on scheduled drop-off days, 8 a.m. to noon. Items must be labeled. It's free and only for Middlesex County residents; contractor and business material isn't accepted. Each site runs on a set weekend of the month, for example second Saturdays at Old Bridge Recycling Center and New Brunswick Public Works, and fourth Saturdays at Woodbridge Public Works (225 Smith St., Keasbey) and South Brunswick. The county asks you to check its website before you go.

Hours: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. on each site's scheduled day
Accepted: Latex and oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, lacquers, thinners, spray paint, driveway sealer (labeled)

Source: Middlesex County – Recycling Programs and Events (paint drop-off days, electronics, HHW)

Household hazardous waste day in Edison Free

County HHW days take latex and oil-based paint, paint thinner, stains and varnishes along with other household chemicals. They're free for county residents, rain or shine. Use residential plates only, stay in your vehicle, and keep materials in the trunk where staff can reach them. No containers over 10 gallons and no empty containers.

Next date: Sunday, November 15, 2026, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Middlesex College, 2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison 08837
Questions: Middlesex County Solid Waste, 732-745-4170

Sources: Middlesex County – Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Days, 2026 Schedule (PDF, posted by North Brunswick Twp.); Middlesex County – Recycling Programs and Events (paint drop-off days, electronics, HHW)

Dried latex paint and empty cans Free

The county says empty containers and latex paint that has dried out aren't accepted at paint drop-off days and can go in your regular trash.

Source: Middlesex County – Recycling Programs and Events (paint drop-off days, electronics, HHW)

Old half-used paint cans with dried drips, brushes and a roller tray on a garage shelf — Leftover paint: check the Edison rules above before you set anything out or drive it to a drop-off.

Don't do this

Don't bring paint to the Edison Recycling Center or put it out for a clean-up. The township doesn't accept it.
Don't bring unlabeled containers to a county paint day.
Don't pour paint down a drain or storm sewer.

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 Edison's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get rid of paint in Edison?

At a Middlesex County paint drop-off day (weekends, 8 a.m.–noon, at rotating town sites) or the county HHW day on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Middlesex College, 2600 Woodbridge Avenue.

Can I throw latex paint in the trash in Edison?

Middlesex County says latex paint that's completely dried out, and empty cans, can go in regular trash.

Sources

All checked on October 29, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.