How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Passaic, NJ

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Passaic, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • New Jersey has no PaintCare paint drop-off program. A paint stewardship bill (S666) is pending in the 2026–27 Legislature, but it isn't law.
  • Oil-based paint, stains, varnishes and thinners go to a free Passaic County household hazardous waste (HHW) day. The next one is Sunday, November 1, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m., at the City of Passaic lot, 141 First Street.
  • Latex (water-based) paint isn't accepted at county HHW days. Passaic County towns tell residents to dry it out and put it in the trash. Confirm with Passaic DPW at 973-365-5654.
  • Passaic DPW won't pick up paint with construction debris.

Your options in Passaic

Passaic County household hazardous waste day (oil-based paint) Free

Passaic County's 2026 HHW flyer lists four collection days for county residents. The last one of 2026 is in the City of Passaic. They run rain or shine, and you need proof of residency. Commercial generators are not accepted. Accepted items include oil-based products, varnishes, solvents and thinners, aerosol cans and more. Latex paint is on the flyer's unacceptable list.

Next date
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m. – City of Passaic lot, 141 First Street
Bring
Proof of Passaic County residency
Questions
Passaic County recycling office, 973-305-5738

Source: Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF)

Latex paint: dry it out, then trash it Free

Latex paint isn't hazardous waste and isn't accepted at county HHW days. Pompton Lakes, a Passaic County town, gives these steps. Get the can to half full or less. Mix in clay kitty litter or another absorbent until the paint won't pour, which takes about one to two days. Then put the can in the trash with the lid off so the hauler can see it's dry. We didn't find latex-paint instructions on the City of Passaic's own site, so confirm with DPW (973-365-5654) before you set it out.

Sources: Borough of Pompton Lakes (Passaic County) – Latex Paint Disposal; Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF); City of Passaic – DPW (Public Works)

Use it up or give it away Free

The easiest disposal is no disposal. Use leftover paint for touch-ups or primer coats, or offer usable cans to neighbors, community groups or local reuse groups.

PaintCare in New Jersey: not available Check with city

PaintCare runs retail paint drop-off sites only in states with paint stewardship laws, and its state list doesn't include New Jersey. The NJ Legislature's 2026–27 bill S666 would create a program, but as of October 21, 2026 it hasn't become law. If it passes, drop-off sites would open later, and we'll update this page.

Sources: PaintCare – program states; NJ Legislature – S666 (2026–27) paint stewardship bill

Don't do this

  • Don't put liquid paint in the trash or pour it down a drain or storm sewer.
  • Don't bring latex paint to a county HHW day. The county lists it as unacceptable.
  • Don't leave paint out with construction debris. Passaic DPW lists paint among items it won't pick up.
  • Don't count on a PaintCare drop-off site in New Jersey. The program doesn't operate in the state.

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 Passaic's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a PaintCare drop-off near Passaic?

No. PaintCare's state list doesn't include New Jersey, and NJ hasn't passed a paint stewardship law. Earlier bills (S1420 in 2014–15, S2679 in 2020–21) were pocket-vetoed, and S666 is pending in 2026–27. The nearest PaintCare program is New York's, which is for New York sites.

When is the next Passaic County hazardous waste day?

Sunday, November 1, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m., at the City of Passaic lot, 141 First Street, per the county's 2026 flyer. Earlier 2026 dates were March 28, May 30 and September 20.

Can I put dried latex paint cans in recycling?

Passaic's recycling rules list metal food and beverage cans and metal containers. They don't specifically mention paint cans, so ask DPW. When in doubt, dry cans go in the trash.

Sources

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

  1. Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF)
  2. Borough of Pompton Lakes (Passaic County) – Latex Paint Disposal
  3. City of Passaic – DPW (Public Works)
  4. NJ Legislature – S666 (2026–27) paint stewardship bill
  5. PaintCare – program states