How to Get Rid of Old Paint in Wayne, NJ

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Wayne, 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.
Latex paint can go out with Wayne garbage only once it's completely dried. The township says to use kitty litter or a paint drier.
Oil-based paint and paint that hasn't dried aren't collected curbside. Take oil-based paint to a free Passaic County household hazardous waste day. The next one is Sunday, November 1, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m., at 141 First Street, Passaic.
The Wayne Recycling Center on Dey Road doesn't accept paint.

Your options in Wayne

Latex paint: dry it out, then put it in the garbage Free

Wayne's 2026 Public Works bulletin lists latex paint as accepted with curbside garbage if it's completely dried, using kitty litter or a paint drier. It lists paint that hasn't been dried completely as not accepted.

Source: Wayne Township – Recycling Brochure 2026 (PDF)

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

Wayne's brochure lists oil-based paint as not accepted curbside and points hazardous items to household hazardous waste events. Passaic County's 2026 flyer lists four free collection days for county residents. The last one of 2026 is in 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, and solvents and thinners. Latex paint is on the county'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

Sources: Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF); Wayne Township – Recycling Brochure 2026 (PDF); Wayne Township – 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collections

Not at the Wayne Recycling Center Check with city

The 2026 brochure lists paint and household hazardous waste among items the Recycling Center at 201 Dey Road doesn't accept.

Source: Wayne Township – Recycling Brochure 2026 (PDF)

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 liquid paint in the garbage. Wayne only takes latex paint that's completely dried.
Don't put oil-based paint out curbside or take it to the Recycling Center.
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 Wayne'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

Can I put dried latex paint in Wayne's garbage?

Yes. Wayne's 2026 brochure accepts latex paint with garbage if it's completely dried, using kitty litter or a paint drier.

When is the next hazardous waste day for Wayne 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.

Sources

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