How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Elizabeth, NJ

✓ Last verified October 22, 2026 against official Elizabeth, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Oil-based paint: Union County's free household hazardous waste day. The final 2026 event is Sunday, October 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., UC Vo-Tech, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.
Latex (water-based) paint isn't accepted at county events. Union County says to let it dry in the open can (kitty litter or paint hardener speeds this up), close the lid and put it in household trash.
The Elizabeth Recycling Center doesn't accept paint.
Questions: Union County Recycling Hotline 908-654-9890.

Illustration of three leftover paint cans and a paintbrush

Your options in Elizabeth

Oil-based paint: Union County HHW day Free

Elizabeth's calendar sends hazardous products such as paints to the Union County special hazardous waste days. Union County accepts oil-based paints and varnishes in original or labeled containers of 5 gallons or less. Union County says the October 25 event is the final one of 2026, and that events resume in spring 2027.

Final 2026 event: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. – UC Vo-Tech, West Hall/Police Academy Lot, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains
Limits: Original or labeled containers; none larger than 5 gallons
Hotline: 908-654-9890

Sources: City of Elizabeth – 2026 Trash & Recycling Calendar (PDF); Union County – Household Hazardous Waste; Union County – Final 2026 HHW event set for Sunday, October 25 (press release, Oct. 9, 2026)

Latex paint: dry it out, then household trash Free

Union County says there are no local or countywide latex paint recycling programs. Let latex paint dry thoroughly in the can with the lid open (kitty litter or commercial paint hardener speeds it up), replace the lid tightly and put the closed can in your regular household trash. Never pour it down drains or into yards.

Source: Union County – How to Manage Leftover Latex Paint

Missed Oct. 25? Other options Check with city

Union County says residents who can't make the October event can arrange to use Middlesex County's Sunday, November 15, 2026 event in Edison through the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning (908-654-9892). The Morris County MUA's year-round facility in Flanders takes non-Morris residents by appointment for $2.00 per pound.

Source: Union County – Final 2026 HHW event set for Sunday, October 25 (press release, Oct. 9, 2026)

Don't do this

Don't bring latex paint to Union County HHW events. It isn't accepted.
Don't bring paint to the Elizabeth Recycling Center. It isn't accepted.
Don't pour paint down drains or into yards.

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 Elizabeth's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Union County hazardous waste day?

The final 2026 event is Sunday, October 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., at UC Vo-Tech, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains. Events resume in spring 2027.

Can I throw latex paint in the trash in Elizabeth?

Yes, once it's completely dry. Union County says to dry it in the open can, close the lid and put it in household trash.

Is there a PaintCare drop-off in New Jersey?

No. PaintCare's program list doesn't include New Jersey. A paint stewardship bill (S666) was introduced in 2026 but hasn't become law.

Sources

All checked on October 22, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.