Paint Can Recycling & Disposal
Old paint cans accepted at select AVA drop-off locations. Latex and oil-based paints handled to Illinois EPA standards.
Paint is hazardous waste, not regular recycling
"Leftover paint cannot go in the trash or down the drain. Liquid latex paint is regulated as a solid waste in Illinois; oil-based paints and finishes are classified as hazardous waste under Illinois EPA and federal EPA regulations because they contain solvents. Both types require appropriate handling and cannot be co-mingled with standard electronics recycling."
"AVA accepts paint cans at select drop-off locations equipped to handle hazardous waste streams. Latex paint is processed through a paint solidification or reprocessing program. Oil-based paints are sent to a licensed hazardous waste facility. Neither type goes to a general landfill."
"Before bringing paint to an AVA location, call ahead to confirm current acceptance at your nearest site and to ask about any fees. Volume limits and accepted types vary by location. We can also help route commercial paint waste from contractors, property managers, and facilities operations."
What we accept
Latex Paint
Water-based latex paint in original or well-sealed cans. Solidified or reprocessed.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paints and finishes routed to licensed hazardous waste processing.
Commercial Accounts
Ongoing paint waste collection for contractors, property managers, and facilities teams.
What you need to know before dropping off paint
"AVA Recycling accepts latex and oil-based paint cans at select Chicagoland drop-off locations equipped for hazardous waste handling. Latex paint is solidified or reprocessed; oil-based paints are sent to licensed hazardous waste facilities. Neither type is landfilled. Call ahead to confirm acceptance at your nearest site and to ask about fees."
"Illinois EPA regulations classify liquid latex paint as a solid waste and oil-based paints as hazardous waste. Pouring paint down the drain is a violation of the Clean Water Act and can result in fines. Taking paint to a general recycling drop-off or placing it in a recycling bin is also prohibited. Dedicated hazardous waste collection is the correct disposal path."
Latex paint that has fully dried or solidified is technically no longer a regulated waste and can be placed in the trash in most Illinois municipalities. If you have a small amount of latex paint, adding kitty litter or a commercial paint hardener to the can and letting it dry is an option before trash disposal. For larger volumes, AVA's drop-off service is more practical.
"Oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, and shellacs retain solvent content even when partially dried and must be treated as hazardous waste regardless of their state. These products are collected separately from latex paint and sent to a licensed hazardous waste facility."
"Commercial accounts, including painting contractors, property management companies, and facilities operations, regularly accumulate paint waste from projects. AVA can arrange scheduled collection for commercial paint waste volumes, with documentation suitable for waste generator records and contractor compliance files. Contact our team to discuss a recurring service."
Paint recycling questions
Related Pages
Ready to Drop Off Paint?
Schedule a free pickup or call our team — we'll walk you through pricing and logistics in minutes.