Have you recently finished a home improvement project and now you’re wondering what do to with leftover paint? You aren’t alone! One of the most frequently asked questions regarding hard to recycle materials involves paint. Here are a few of the main issues and FAQs:
What makes paint hard to recycle?
Paint is difficult to recycle due to its complex, varied chemical composition (latex vs. oil-based), toxicity, and high processing costs. Liquid paint is considered hazardous waste that requires special handling, while oil-based products are flammable. Additionally, there is limited infrastructure and market demand for recycled paint. Read more about Hard to Recycle Materials here.
What can I do with my old paint?
The good news is, paint can be recycled – it just takes a little more intentionality. As a matter of fact we have a great resource right in our backyard that will come to your door and take your paint for a fee. If you haven’t heard about Atlanta Paint Disposal, read more about their services here.
I’m also happy to report that paint can be dropped off for a fee at our neighboring Smyrna Recycling Center at 3475 Lake Drive in Smyrna.
But wait…there is MORE…
Spring Clean Up 2026 – March 28, 2026
While we do not currently take paint at our recycling center, we are sponsoring a FREE paint disposal event for the first 85 gallons that arrive at our Spring Clean Up on Saturday, March 26th at Thurman Springs Park. Here a few more details about the event:
- Paint Recycling will begin at 8am. No appointment needed. We will only accept the first 85 gallons brought on this day.
- We will conclude our Paint Drop Off when we have reached capacity. Paint left onsite will be considered illegal dumping and subject to applicable fines by city ordinance.
- LIMIT PER HOUSEHOLD: In order to serve as many households as possible here are our household limits:
- One 5 gallon bucket OR
- Five 1 gallon buckets OR
- 8 spray cans/quarts
- NOT ACCEPTED:
- Leaking containers
- “Professional Use Only”
- tank/pipe coating
- marine coating
- lacquer
- lacquer thinner
- roof tar
- two part epoxy
- anything that says catalyst
- PART A or PART B
- 55 gallon drums
- lead paint
- paint with mercury
- leaking containers
- gasoline
- cleaners or chemicals
It our hope that our Spring Clean Up Event will not only introduce you to resources for paint recycling and disposal, but that this will also help us understand the need our community has for this service. See you on March 28, 2026.
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