Skip to main content
How to Recycle Paint - Disposal and Recycling

How to Recycle Paint - Disposal and Recycling

Paint itself is considered hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of accordingly. Paint tins, if empty, can go in your recycle bin

If you have leftover paint or pretty much any paint product, it can be taken for recycling to Paintback. There are also a number of second life retailers like Reverse Garbage Brisbane and Reverse Garbage Sydney who will take your half empty paint tins. 

The following hazardous waste programs will take your paint: Household Chemical CleanOut NSW, Victoria's Detox Your Home, and Waste Authority WA. In other states, transfer stations usually have collection bins for paint and other hazardous waste items.

It is illegal to pour paint or paint products into drains or gutters. 


Image: Rhondak | Unsplash

Something incorrect here? Suggest an update below:
ekko.world
Science Notes
Hazardous waste is anything that is flammable, toxic, explosive or corrosive. If hazardous waste items are not disposed of responsibly, they pose health risks for humans, animals and the environment.

As examples, the following items, along with paint, are also considered to be hazardous waste: batteries, fire extinguishers, fluorescent tubes, pesticides and solvents.

Related Tip
Always store your paint in the tin it came in so that you have the correct reference point for contents.

Paint tins are made from steel and are fully recyclable in your council recycling bin if empty.