How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Philadelphia, PA

✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Latex or water-based paint isn't hazardous, the city says. Dry it out or harden it with kitty litter, then put it in your regular trash.
Convenience centers also take latex paint cans once the paint is solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.
Oil-based paint, spray paint, stains and varnish go to a household hazardous waste event. The last 2026 event is Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., at 3901 N. Delaware Ave. (Port Richmond). No registration.

Illustration of three leftover paint cans and a paintbrush

Your options in Philadelphia

Latex paint: dry it out Free

The Department of Sanitation says latex and water-based paint is not hazardous. If it's dried up or solidified with an absorbent material like kitty litter, it can go in regular trash. The six Sanitation Convenience Centers also accept latex or water-based paint cans as long as the paint has been solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.

Convenience center hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed City holidays)
Locations: Southwest: 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave. (215-685-4290) · Northwest: 300 block Domino Ln., near Umbria St. (215-685-2502) · West: 5100 Grays Ave. (215-685-2600) · Port Richmond: 3901 Delaware Ave. (215-685-1358) · Strawberry Mansion: 2601 Glenwood Ave. (215-685-4293) · Northeast: State Rd. & Ashburner St. (215-685-8072)

Sources: City of Philadelphia – 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates; City of Philadelphia – Find a sanitation convenience center; City of Philadelphia – Sanitation Recycling & Holiday Guide 2025 (PDF; center addresses and phone numbers)

Oil-based paint: household hazardous waste event Free

City HHW events take oil, latex and water-based paint, spray paint, varnish, stains, solvents and other household chemicals. They run 9 a.m.–3 p.m., and you don't need to register. They're open to households in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, and business waste isn't accepted. Keep products in their original labeled containers with lids tight, wrap anything breakable in newspaper, never mix products, and pack everything in a sturdy box. Six of the seven 2026 events have passed.

Last 2026 event: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., 3901 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia 19137 (Port Richmond)
Registration: Not required

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Drop off household hazardous waste; City of Philadelphia – 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates

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

Don't do this

Don't pour paint down a drain or put liquid paint in the trash.
Don't put oil-based paint in the trash. Save it for a household hazardous waste event.
Don't mix paint with other chemicals or remove the labels before an HHW event.

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 Philadelphia's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of latex paint in Philadelphia?

Dry it out or harden it with kitty litter, then put it in your regular trash. You can also take solidified latex paint cans to a Sanitation Convenience Center.

When is the next hazardous waste day in Philadelphia?

The last 2026 event is Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., at 3901 N. Delaware Ave. in Port Richmond. No registration is needed. The city hasn't posted 2027 dates yet.

Can suburban residents use Philadelphia's HHW events?

Yes. The city says the events are open to households in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Businesses can't use them.

Sources

All checked on October 29, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.