How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Houston, TX

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Houston, Texas and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • Both latex and oil-based paint: take to a City of Houston Environmental Service Center (ESC). Limit is 25 gallons per visit.
  • Latex paint only: the Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood recycling centers also accept it. Oil-based paint isn't accepted there.
  • Don't set wet paint out with heavy trash.

Your options in Houston

Environmental Service Centers (latex and oil-based) Free

Houston's ESCs accept household hazardous waste, including paints (latex and oil base, 25 gallons maximum) and paint stains/thinners (25 gallons maximum). Aerosol cans are accepted under chemical waste (100 lbs total combined weight per visit, not bagged).

ESC South
11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77035 · Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
ESC North
5614 Neches St., Houston, TX 77026 · Second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Source: City of Houston SWMD – Environmental Service Centers

City recycling centers (latex paint only) Free

The city's recycling centers accept "B.O.P.A.: batteries, oil, latex paint and antifreeze" and list oil-based paint as not accepted. Residents may use them up to four times per month. A current Texas-issued ID is enough for recycling drop-offs.

Westpark Center
5900 Westpark, Houston, TX 77057 · Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Clear Lake/Ellington Airport
246 Loop Rd., Houston, TX 77034 · 7 days a week, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Kingwood
3210 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Houston, TX 77339 · Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Source: City of Houston SWMD – Recycling Centers

Don't do this

  • Don't put wet paint out with heavy trash. The city says household hazardous waste, including wet paint, goes to an ESC.
  • Don't take oil-based paint to the recycling centers. They list it as not accepted.

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 Houston's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I get rid of old paint in Houston?

Take latex or oil-based paint to an Environmental Service Center (ESC South or ESC North), up to 25 gallons per visit. Latex paint is also accepted at the Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood recycling centers.

Can I throw paint out with heavy trash in Houston?

No. The City of Houston's heavy trash guidelines say not to set out household hazardous waste, including wet paint. Take it to an Environmental Service Center.

Is there a paint store take-back program in Houston?

We didn't find a retail paint take-back program for Houston. Ask your local paint store, and check with the city if you're unsure.

How much paint can I bring?

The ESC limit is 25 gallons of paint (latex and oil-based) per visit, plus 25 gallons of paint stains and thinners.

Sources

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

  1. City of Houston SWMD – Environmental Service Centers
  2. City of Houston SWMD – Recycling Centers
  3. City of Houston SWMD – Heavy Trash Collection (guidelines)