How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Town of Hempstead, NY

✓ Last verified October 27, 2026 against official Town of Hempstead, New York and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Latex and water-based paint can go to the town's Homeowner Disposal Area at 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m., except town holidays. Bring proof of residency.
Oil-based paint, paint thinner, strippers, varnish and aerosol cans go to a S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) day, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
The last two 2026 S.T.O.P. days are Saturday, November 14 at Newbridge Road Park, 2600 Newbridge Road, South Bellmore, and Sunday, December 6 at Eisenhower Park, Parking Field 3, East Meadow.
New York has a PaintCare program, so paint stores and other PaintCare sites near you may also take leftover paint free.

Illustration of three leftover paint cans and a paintbrush

Your options in Town of Hempstead

Homeowner Disposal Area (latex paint) Free

The Sanitation Department's Homeowner Disposal Area accepts latex and water-based paint; the town sends oil-based paint to its S.T.O.P. program. The site is for residents of unincorporated areas of the town (except Sanitation District 1) and of Hempstead and Freeport Villages; other incorporated villages can't use it. Bring proof of residency, such as a driver's license or a tax bill. Use a non-commercial vehicle; each vehicle is limited to one trip a day, and vehicles towing trailers pay commercial rates. The town doesn't list a fee or a quantity limit for paint, so check with the town if you have a lot.

Address: 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566
Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (closed town holidays)
Phone: 516-378-4210, Option 8
Bring: Proof of residency (driver's license or tax bill)

Source: Town of Hempstead – Collection Information

S.T.O.P. hazardous-waste days (oil-based paint) Free

The town's S.T.O.P. events take latex and oil-based paints, paint strippers, paint thinners and brush cleaners, lacquers, varnish, polishes and wood preservatives, solvents and aerosol cans. Unlabeled materials aren't accepted. Make sure lids are tight, wrap any leaking container in newspaper and put it in a plastic bag or larger container, and pack items in a box so they can't tip. Waste from businesses, schools and houses of worship isn't accepted, and commercial vehicles aren't allowed.

Remaining 2026 dates: Saturday, November 14, Newbridge Road Park, 2600 Newbridge Road, South Bellmore; Sunday, December 6, Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Tpke, Parking Field 3, East Meadow
Hours: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Questions: S.T.O.P. & E-Cycling Program, 516-378-4210, Option 6

Sources: Town of Hempstead – Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (S.T.O.P.); Town of Hempstead – S.T.O.P. Accepted & Not Accepted Items

PaintCare drop-off sites Free

PaintCare runs New York's paint stewardship program, funded by a fee on new paint. Its sites, many of them paint and hardware stores, accept house paint, primers, stains, sealers and clear coatings such as shellac and varnish. Use PaintCare's site locator and call a site for its hours and limits before you go. If you have 100 gallons or more, PaintCare offers a free large-volume pickup.

Source: PaintCare – New York program

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

Don't do this

Don't pour paint, thinner or solvents down a drain or storm sewer.
Don't bring oil-based paint to the Homeowner Disposal Area. The town sends it to S.T.O.P. days.
Don't bring unlabeled containers to a S.T.O.P. day. The town won't accept them.

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 Town of Hempstead's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

Frequently asked questions

Where does oil-based paint go in the Town of Hempstead?

To a S.T.O.P. hazardous-waste day. The remaining 2026 dates are November 14 in South Bellmore and December 6 in East Meadow, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. PaintCare sites may also take it.

Can I bring latex paint to the Merrick drop-off?

Yes. The Homeowner Disposal Area at 1600 Merrick Road accepts latex and water-based paint from eligible residents with proof of residency.

I live in an incorporated village. Can I use the Homeowner Disposal Area for paint?

Only if you live in Hempstead or Freeport Village. The town says the site isn't available to residents of other incorporated villages (or Sanitation District 1). Check with your village, the town's S.T.O.P. program, or a PaintCare site.

Sources

All checked on October 27, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.