Yes, most Sherwin-Williams stores accept leftover paint for recycling, but it depends on your state and store policies. They partner with the non-profit PaintCare program to take back unused latex and oil-based house paints, primers, stains, and clear coatings.
Ready to drop off your leftover paint? Search for a Sherwin-Williams store* in any of the participating states/jurisdictions. Before bringing in your leftover paint, ensure that the lids are on securely, that the container is not leaking, and that the paint is in the original container with the label on it.
You can dispose of old paint cans of latex paint in your regular trash. Oil-based paints should go to a household hazardous waste collection site.
Never put liquid paint in your bin.
You can put empty paint cans in your bin at home or take them to a recycling centre all year round. Metal cans can be recycled.
Except for tinted Products, Custom Orders, Sample Orders, Products manufactured or mixed to customer specifications using Sherwin-Williams online tools, or any other Products designated on the Website, or applicable Additional Terms, as custom or non-returnable, Sherwin-Williams will accept a return of Products for a ...
Yes, unopened paint can usually be returned to Home Depot without any issues, as long as it's within the 30-day return window and you have your receipt.
You can often use old paint if you mix it very well, but several factors determine its usability. The general paint shelf life for unopened latex paint is around 10 years, and oil-based paint can last up to 15 years. Once opened, this lifespan typically reduces to a couple of years, depending on storage conditions.
For large amounts, pour one-inch layers of paint into a cardboard box lined with plastic. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time--thin layers will speed up drying. Or, mix paint with cat litter, sawdust or sand in a cardboard box line with plastic and let it dry.
Brush up on responsible disposal
As we've already cautioned, paint cannot be placed in your household mixed recycling bin and must not be poured down the drain where it can cause damage and blockages. If you have a small amount of paint left, brush it on to scrap paper or cardboard and leave it to dry.
All PaintCare sites accept up to 5 gallons per visit (some take more). Please call ahead to confirm business hours and ask if they can accept the type and amount of paint you would like to recycle. Sites do not accept aerosol coatings, leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers.
ACE does take old painting. Just needs to be in original can with label and be liquid.
Lowe's recycling programs:
Latex paint can be disposed of as trash if dry. To dry small amounts, remove lid and let the paint dry in the can. For larger amounts, mix in kitty litter or pour one-inch layers of paint in a cardboard box lined with a plastic bag. Hardened oil-based paint can also be disposed of in the trash.
Unopened acrylic paint and water-based latex paint can be good for up to 10 years when properly stored. That means it hasn't been exposed to extreme temperatures and the can has a tight seal, as we describe in more detail below.
Here are five paint colors that real estate professionals and designers consistently recommend to help homes sell faster and for more:
Sherwin-Williams and Home Depot (which primarily sells Behr paint) cater to different needs. Sherwin-Williams offers premium, professional-grade finishes with exceptional coverage and expert support. Home Depot’s Behr brand is heavily favored by DIYers for its budget-friendliness, wide color selection, and easy one-coat coverage options.
Always check with your local waste disposal service before throwing away unused dried paint. Become familiar with the disposal procedures recommended in your municipality. Some make regular, scheduled pickups of household hazardous waste, while others have recycling programs.
Fee and Funding
It funds all aspects of the PaintCare program including collection, transportation, and processing of unused postconsumer (leftover) architectural paint, public education about proper paint management, and administrative costs. The fee is paid to PaintCare by paint manufacturers.
Several common household and commercial items are not recyclable through standard collection programs, despite appearing to be made of recyclable materials. The most frequent offenders include greasy pizza boxes, disposable coffee cups, plastic-coated paper, bubble wrap, and small electronics.
Old paint can be highly toxic, especially if it is from a home built before 1978, as it may contain lead. Stored liquid paint can also release harmful VOCs or grow toxic mold. The exact risk depends on the age, type, and condition of the paint.
You cannot use a Skip to dispose of asbestos, fridge/freezers, car batteries, tyres, gas cylinders, paint tins (empty or full), food waste, fluorescent tubes or liquids, Medicines/drugs, Kitchen waste, septic tank waste, Computers, contaminated soil or black bags.
To store leftover paint effectively, transfer smaller amounts into airtight glass or plastic containers (like mason jars) to minimize air exposure. If keeping it in the original can, clean the rim thoroughly, place plastic wrap directly on the paint's surface, and tap the lid securely shut.
Mix an equal amount of an absorbent material such as cat litter into the paint can and allow the paint to dry. In addition to cat litter, you can use sawdust, plaster of Paris, Oil-dri, or a product called waste paint hardener which can be purchased at home improvement stores.
Water-based paint (emulsion)
If you fully dry it out, the emulsion can be disposed of in your normal rubbish bin. To dry the paint, take the lid off, add some sand or sawdust and then leave for several weeks.
Adding baking soda to paint thickens the mixture and gives it a heavy, gritty texture. It transforms standard acrylic or latex paint into a matte, chalky finish that resembles plaster, concrete, or rustic pottery. It also increases the paint's opacity.