How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Paterson, NJ

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Paterson, 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.
Paterson's bulk trash program lists fuels, oils and paints as not accepted, so don't put paint out with bulk.
Oil-based paint, varnishes, stains 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 paint isn't accepted at county HHW days. Passaic County towns tell residents to dry it out and trash it. Paterson's site doesn't say, so check with the city (973-321-1600).

Your options in Paterson

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

Passaic County's 2026 HHW flyer lists four free collection days for county residents. The last one of 2026 is in neighboring Passaic. They run rain or shine, you need proof of residency, and commercial generators aren't accepted. Accepted items include oil-based products, varnishes and waxes, solvents and thinners, and aerosol cans. Latex paint and electronics are 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 Paterson's own site, so check with the city (973-321-1600) before you set it out with FILCO trash.

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

Not with bulk trash Check with city

Paterson's Bulk Trash Removal flyer lists hazardous materials and fuels, oils and paints among items not accepted for bulk pickup or City Yard drop-off. Keep paint cans out of your scheduled bulk pickup.

Sources: City of Paterson – Bulk Trash Removal flyer (2023, PDF); City of Paterson – Garbage Collection

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.

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

Don't do this

Don't put paint out with bulk trash or bring it to the City Yard. Paterson lists paints as not accepted.
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.

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 Paterson's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

LoadUp PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
College HUNKS Hauling Junk PLACEHOLDER: not a live link

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a PaintCare drop-off in Paterson?

No. PaintCare doesn't operate in New Jersey because the state hasn't passed a paint stewardship law. Bill S666 is pending in 2026–27.

When is the next hazardous waste day for Paterson residents?

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. Call 973-305-5738 to confirm.

Does Paterson run its own hazardous waste day?

The city has held its own HHW events in the past, but we didn't find a 2026 Paterson event. Use the Passaic County days, or ask the city at 973-321-1600.

Sources

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