How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Phoenix, AZ

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Phoenix, Arizona and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • Don't put paint in your trash or recycling container, or in a bulk trash pile. The City of Phoenix lists paint as household hazardous waste (HHW).
  • Phoenix residential solid waste customers get one free HHW home pickup per calendar year. Paint is accepted up to a cumulative 10 gallons.
  • Schedule online or by phone. You'll need the account number from your City Services Bill.

Your options in Phoenix

City of Phoenix HHW home collection Free

Phoenix Public Works offers residential solid waste customers one HHW home collection per calendar year. The city's accepted list includes household, acrylic, enamel, oil or latex paint, paint thinner and stripper, and stains, up to a cumulative 10-gallon paint limit. Aerosols fall under chemicals, with a separate cumulative 5-gallon limit. The request form shows appointments within the next 30 days. If none are listed, the city says to email hhwcollection@phoenix.gov.

Who's eligible
Only customers with a residential solid waste account. Your account number is in the upper right corner of your City Services Bill.
How to prepare
Seal items in leakproof containers, then put them in a box clearly labeled "HHW"
Where to put it
Next to your garage or front door, visible and accessible. Not at the curb, in the street or on the sidewalk.
When
Out by 7 a.m. on collection day. Pickup is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and the city emails a reminder 1–2 business days before.
Contact
hhwcollection@phoenix.gov · Public Works 602-262-6251

Sources: City of Phoenix – Household Hazardous Waste Collection; City of Phoenix – HHW Acceptable Items for Home Pick-up (PDF)

Other drop-off options Check with city

We didn't find a City of Phoenix walk-in drop-off site for household paint on the city's pages. PaintCare's website doesn't list Arizona among its program states, so there's no free PaintCare store drop-off network like the ones in California or Illinois. If you've already used your yearly pickup or aren't a city solid waste customer, call Public Works at 602-262-6251 to ask about current options.

Sources: City of Phoenix – Household Hazardous Waste Collection; PaintCare – program states (homepage)

Don't do this

  • Don't put paint in a bulk trash pile. Phoenix's bulk trash rules exclude household hazardous waste, including paint.
  • Don't set your HHW box at the curb, in the street or on the sidewalk.
  • Don't put paint, chemicals or batteries in your trash or recycling container.

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 Phoenix's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of old paint in Phoenix?

If you're a City of Phoenix residential solid waste customer, schedule the free household hazardous waste home pickup (one per calendar year). Paint, including latex, oil, acrylic and enamel, is accepted up to a cumulative 10 gallons.

Can paint go out with Phoenix bulk trash?

No. The city's bulk trash guidelines say not to include household hazardous waste such as paint.

How do I schedule HHW pickup in Phoenix?

Use the city's online request form or call. You'll need your City Services Bill account number. If no dates show in the next 30 days, email hhwcollection@phoenix.gov.

What time will they pick up my paint?

The city doesn't give a specific time. Collection runs 7 a.m.–5 p.m., so have your labeled HHW box out by 7 a.m.

Sources

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

  1. City of Phoenix – Household Hazardous Waste Collection
  2. City of Phoenix – HHW Acceptable Items for Home Pick-up (PDF)
  3. City of Phoenix – Bulk Trash
  4. PaintCare – program states (homepage)