How to Get Rid of Old Paint in New York City, NY

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official New York City, New York and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • New York has a PaintCare program. Drop leftover house paint, primer, stain, sealer and varnish free at a participating store. Most sites take up to 5 gallons per visit.
  • DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off sites take paint, up to 5 gallons per visit, Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. NYC311 says that's latex only and oil-based paint goes to SAFE events, so check with the city before bringing oil-based paint.
  • For small amounts, DSNY says to let paint dry or soak it up with kitty litter or newspaper and put it in the trash. Empty, dry cans go out with metal, glass and plastic recycling.
  • Staten Island households with more than 10 gallons can request PaintCare's free door-to-door pickup.

Your options in New York City

PaintCare drop-off sites Free

PaintCare has run New York's paint stewardship program since May 2022, funded by a fee on new paint, so there's no charge to drop off. DSNY says to bring paint in original containers with the original labels and lids tightly closed. Sites accept house paint, primers, stains, sealers and clear coatings such as shellac and varnish. Contact the site for hours and limits.

Don't bring
Mixed paint, leaky containers, dry paint or empty cans
Limit
Most sites take up to 5 gallons per visit; some take more
Big jobs
Free PaintCare large-volume pickup for 100+ gallons

Sources: DSNY – Harmful Household Products (paint and PaintCare); PaintCare – New York program

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off sites Free

DSNY's five borough drop-off sites take paint, up to five gallons per visit, from NYC residents. Bring proof of NYC residency; businesses aren't allowed. Sources differ on oil-based paint: DSNY's drop-off page just says "paint," but NYC311's special-waste table says these sites accept latex paint and not oil-based paint, which goes to SAFE events. Check with the city (311) before bringing oil-based paint.

Hours
Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (closed legal holidays and severe weather)
Locations
Hunts Point (Bronx), 459 North Henry St. (Brooklyn), 74 Pike Slip (Manhattan), College Point (Queens), Fresh Kills (Staten Island)

Sources: DSNY – Special Waste Drop-Off; NYC311 – Special Waste Disposal

SAFE Disposal Events (latex and oil-based) Free

DSNY's SAFE events accept paint, paint cans and spray paint, including oil-based paint, from NYC residents with proof of residency. Events are usually held in the fall.

Next event
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Orchard Beach parking lot, Bronx

Source: NYC311 – Special Waste Disposal

Small amounts: dry it and trash it Free

For small amounts of latex, non-latex or spray paint, DSNY says to let it dry, or soak it up with kitty litter, newspaper or another absorbent, and put it in the trash. Set empty, dry paint cans out with your recycling the night before recycling day. NYC311 adds that small amounts of oil-based paint and thinner can go in the trash if you pour the liquid into a black trash bag filled with kitty litter or newspaper. For more than a couple of cans, it says to use a private hauler or environmental services company.

Sources: DSNY – Harmful Household Products (paint and PaintCare); NYC311 – Special Waste Disposal

Staten Island door-to-door pickup Free

For a limited time, PaintCare offers free door-to-door pickup to Staten Island households with more than ten gallons of leftover paint, stain and varnish. Submit a service request through PaintCare.

Sources: PaintCare – New York program; DSNY – Harmful Household Products (paint and PaintCare)

Don't do this

  • Don't pour paint, thinner or turpentine down a drain, toilet or sewer.
  • Don't bring mixed paint, leaking cans, dry paint or empty cans to a PaintCare site.
  • Don't put paint tubes in recycling. DSNY says they go in the trash.

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 New York City's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a PaintCare drop-off in NYC?

Yes. PaintCare has drop-off sites throughout the city. Use PaintCare's site locator, and contact the site for hours and limits.

Can I put a paint can in NYC recycling?

Only if it's empty and dry. DSNY says to set empty, dry paint cans out with your metal, glass and plastic recycling.

Can I bring oil-based paint to a DSNY drop-off site?

Sources differ. DSNY's drop-off page lists paint (up to 5 gallons), but NYC311 says the sites take latex only and oil-based paint goes to SAFE events. Call 311 to confirm, or use a PaintCare site or SAFE event.

Sources

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

  1. DSNY – Harmful Household Products (paint and PaintCare)
  2. DSNY – Special Waste Drop-Off
  3. NYC311 – Special Waste Disposal
  4. PaintCare – New York program