Paint Recycling in Philadelphia, PA

Latex paint can be solidified with kitty litter and taken to a Sanitation Convenience Center; oil-based paint goes to one of the City’s HHW events, open to five-county residents.

See all 8 options

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

8 ways to get rid of a paint in Philadelphia

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

All 8 Drop-off 6 Services & pickup 2

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · PhiladelphiaNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $70.00
How it works
Book online, set out your paint and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.
Book a pickup →
Sanitation Convenience Center – Port RichmondDrop-off · 3901 Delaware Ave, PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia residentsConditions applyCost not listed
Where
3901 Delaware Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19137
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed City holidays
Cost & rules
Paint
Accepted with conditionsCost unknown
Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.
Proof of Philadelphia residency required; vehicles under 6,000 lb; no commercial loads.
Latex or water-based paint only, solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
Sanitation Convenience Center – Northwest PhiladelphiaDrop-off · 320 Domino Ln, PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia residentsConditions applyCost not listed
Where
320 Domino Ln
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed City holidays
Cost & rules
Paint
Accepted with conditionsCost unknown
Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.
Proof of Philadelphia residency required; vehicles under 6,000 lb; no commercial loads.
Latex or water-based paint only, solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
Sanitation Convenience Center – Northeast PhiladelphiaDrop-off · 8401 State Rd, PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia residentsConditions applyCost not listed
Where
8401 State Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed City holidays
Cost & rules
Paint
Accepted with conditionsCost unknown
Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.
Proof of Philadelphia residency required; vehicles under 6,000 lb; no commercial loads.
Latex or water-based paint only, solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
Sanitation Convenience Center – Southwest PhiladelphiaDrop-off · 3033 S 63rd St, PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia residentsConditions applyCost not listed
Where
3033 S 63rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed City holidays
Cost & rules
Paint
Accepted with conditionsCost unknown
Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.
Proof of Philadelphia residency required; vehicles under 6,000 lb; no commercial loads.
Latex or water-based paint only, solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
Sanitation Convenience Center – Strawberry MansionDrop-off · 2601 W Glenwood Ave, PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia residentsConditions applyCost not listed
Where
2601 W Glenwood Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed City holidays
Cost & rules
Paint
Accepted with conditionsCost unknown
Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.
Proof of Philadelphia residency required; vehicles under 6,000 lb; no commercial loads.
Latex or water-based paint only, solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
Sanitation Convenience Center – West PhiladelphiaDrop-off · 5100 Grays Ave, PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia residentsConditions applyCost not listed
Where
5100 Grays Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed City holidays
Cost & rules
Paint
Accepted with conditionsCost unknown
Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.
Proof of Philadelphia residency required; vehicles under 6,000 lb; no commercial loads.
Latex or water-based paint only, solidified with kitty litter or newspaper.
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
Philadelphia Household Hazardous Waste collection eventsCity service · PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia County residentsCost not listed
How it works
Annual series of Department of Sanitation household hazardous waste collection events, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., no registration, open to residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. 2026 dates: April 11, May 9, June 13, July 9, Sept. 19, Oct. 10 and Nov. 7 (Port Richmond, 3901 N. Delaware Ave.). Accepts paint (oil, latex, water-based), auto/lead-acid, lithium and NiCad batteries, motor oil, pesticides and similar; no electronics or business waste.
Cost & rules
- Event days only (2026: seven Saturdays/one Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.).
Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

Note whether it’s latex (water-based) or oil-based; programs often treat them differently.
Keep paint in its original, labelled, closed container.
Ask about quantity limits per visit.

More about paint

Pennsylvania rules

DEP: latex paint is not hazardous and can go in regular trash once poured into absorbent material and completely dried. Source: PA DEP: "Green" Painting Tips brochure 2520-PA-DEP2400 (PDF) (opens in new tab)
DEP: oil-based paints, stains and varnishes are hazardous; take them to a household hazardous waste collection program if available. Source: PA DEP: "Green" Painting Tips brochure 2520-PA-DEP2400 (PDF) (opens in new tab)

More Pennsylvania rules (21)

DEP: if possible, recycle or dispose of paint-related waste at your local HHW collection site. Source: PA DEP: "Green" Painting Tips brochure 2520-PA-DEP2400 (PDF) (opens in new tab)
PaintCare runs paint recycling programs only in states with paint stewardship laws. Source: PaintCare: Paint recycling and drop-off locations (state list) (opens in new tab)
PaintCare's state list (California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington) does not include Pennsylvania: there is no PaintCare paint stewardship program in Pennsylvania. Source: PaintCare: Paint recycling and drop-off locations (state list) (opens in new tab)
Act 101 Section 1501(a): a municipality (other than a county) with 10,000 or more people must run a source-separation and collection program for recyclables. Source: Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act 101 of 1988 (P.L. 556) (opens in new tab)
Act 101 Section 1501(b): municipalities of more than 5,000 but under 10,000 people with density over 300 per square mile must also run a recycling program. Source: Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act 101 of 1988 (P.L. 556) (opens in new tab)
Residents of mandated municipalities must separate leaf waste unless they compost it; less dense municipalities that ban leaf burning may be exempt from leaf collection. Source: Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act 101 of 1988 (P.L. 556) (opens in new tab)
Mandated programs must have a scheduled curbside (or similar) collection day for separated materials at least once a month. Source: Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act 101 of 1988 (P.L. 556) (opens in new tab)
Statewide recycling began in 1988 with Act 101, which requires larger municipalities to recycle. Source: PA DEP: Recycling and Disposal (Residents) (opens in new tab)
DEP says more than 11.6 million residents (at least 94 percent) have access to recycling, through about 1,050 curbside programs and 870 drop-off programs. Source: PA DEP: Recycling and Disposal (Residents) (opens in new tab)
Act 101 set a $2-per-ton fee on waste disposed at municipal waste landfills and waste-to-energy facilities, funding local recycling grants. Source: PA DEP: Recycling in Pennsylvania (opens in new tab)
For curbside recycling details, DEP tells residents to contact their local hauler or municipality. Source: PA DEP: Recycling and Disposal (Residents) (opens in new tab)
For bulky items, DEP tells residents to contact their refuse hauler, or their county recycling coordinator if they have no hauler. Source: PA DEP: Recycling and Disposal (Residents) (opens in new tab)
Some haulers and municipalities run curbside collection for special wastes restricted from regular trash (electronics, HHW, tires); each has its own requirements and costs. Source: PA DEP: Special Waste Materials Curbside Collection Programs (opens in new tab)
DEP: household hazardous waste is unused household products that may explode, catch fire or harm the environment, e.g. paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, batteries and motor oil. Source: PA DEP: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
DEP lists ongoing HHW programs and one-time events by county; most municipal programs have residency requirements and some charge nominal fees or require registration. Source: PA DEP: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs (opens in new tab)
Contact the program before dropping off HHW to learn what it accepts and when it operates. Source: PA DEP: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs (opens in new tab)
If no collection program is available, HHW may legally go in regular trash if label directions are followed, liquids are evaporated or absorbed, residue is packaged against leaks, and it is set out in small quantities over several collections. Source: PA DEP: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Under Act 101 as amended by Act 190 of 1996, HHW programs may operate if registered with DEP; most collect annually at drop-off sites, others year-round. Source: PA DEP: Apply to Establish a Municipal Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program (opens in new tab)
Act 190 allows 50% funding for HHW collection programs run by municipalities and non-profits. Source: PA DEP: Apply to Establish a Municipal Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program (opens in new tab)
Very small quantity generators (businesses making under 100 kg of hazardous waste a month) can use registered HHW programs like households. Source: PA DEP: Apply to Establish a Municipal Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program (opens in new tab)
If no HHW services are available in your area, DEP says to contact your county recycling coordinator. Source: PA DEP: Recycling and Disposal (Residents) (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (29)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

City of Philadelphia: Find a sanitation convenience center to drop off trash or recycling (opens in new tab) · City of Philadelphia Department of Sanitation
- Users must show proof of Philadelphia residency; vehicles must weigh under 6,000 pounds; commercial contractors and commercial loads are not allowed. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Latex or water-based paint cans are accepted once the paint is solidified with an absorbent such as kitty litter or newspaper. Checked October 26, 2026.
City of Philadelphia: Drop off household hazardous waste (opens in new tab) · City of Philadelphia Department of Sanitation
- HHW collection events are open to residents of the five-county region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia); businesses must use a private service. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Accepted materials include auto and lead-acid batteries, lithium and NiCad batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, and oil, latex and water-based paint, among others. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The 2026 events run 9 a.m.–3 p.m. without registration: April 11 and July 9 (8401 State Rd.), May 9 (4800 Parkside Ave.), June 13 (Domino Lane), Sept. 19 (2121 W. York St.), Oct. 10 (3033 S. 63rd St.) and Nov. 7 (3901 N. Delaware Ave.). Checked October 26, 2026.
City of Philadelphia: 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates (March 6, 2026) (opens in new tab) · City of Philadelphia Department of Sanitation · effective March 6, 2026
- Latex/water-based paint is not hazardous: once dried or solidified with an absorbent like kitty litter it can go in regular trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act 101 of 1988 (P.L. 556) (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Act 101 Section 1501(a): a municipality (other than a county) with 10,000 or more people must run a source-separation and collection program for recyclables. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Act 101 Section 1501(b): municipalities of more than 5,000 but under 10,000 people with density over 300 per square mile must also run a recycling program. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Residents of mandated municipalities must separate leaf waste unless they compost it; less dense municipalities that ban leaf burning may be exempt from leaf collection. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Mandated programs must have a scheduled curbside (or similar) collection day for separated materials at least once a month. Checked October 26, 2026.
PA DEP: Recycling and Disposal (Residents) (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Statewide recycling began in 1988 with Act 101, which requires larger municipalities to recycle. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DEP says more than 11.6 million residents (at least 94 percent) have access to recycling, through about 1,050 curbside programs and 870 drop-off programs. Checked October 26, 2026.
- For curbside recycling details, DEP tells residents to contact their local hauler or municipality. Checked October 26, 2026.
- For bulky items, DEP tells residents to contact their refuse hauler, or their county recycling coordinator if they have no hauler. Checked October 26, 2026.
- If no HHW services are available in your area, DEP says to contact your county recycling coordinator. Checked October 26, 2026.
PA DEP: Recycling in Pennsylvania (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Act 101 set a $2-per-ton fee on waste disposed at municipal waste landfills and waste-to-energy facilities, funding local recycling grants. Checked October 26, 2026.
PA DEP: Special Waste Materials Curbside Collection Programs (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Some haulers and municipalities run curbside collection for special wastes restricted from regular trash (electronics, HHW, tires); each has its own requirements and costs. Checked October 26, 2026.
PA DEP: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- DEP: household hazardous waste is unused household products that may explode, catch fire or harm the environment, e.g. paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, batteries and motor oil. Checked October 26, 2026.
- If no collection program is available, HHW may legally go in regular trash if label directions are followed, liquids are evaporated or absorbed, residue is packaged against leaks, and it is set out in small quantities over several collections. Checked October 26, 2026.
PA DEP: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- DEP lists ongoing HHW programs and one-time events by county; most municipal programs have residency requirements and some charge nominal fees or require registration. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Contact the program before dropping off HHW to learn what it accepts and when it operates. Checked October 26, 2026.
PA DEP: Apply to Establish a Municipal Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Under Act 101 as amended by Act 190 of 1996, HHW programs may operate if registered with DEP; most collect annually at drop-off sites, others year-round. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Act 190 allows 50% funding for HHW collection programs run by municipalities and non-profits. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Very small quantity generators (businesses making under 100 kg of hazardous waste a month) can use registered HHW programs like households. Checked October 26, 2026.
PA DEP: "Green" Painting Tips brochure 2520-PA-DEP2400 (PDF) (opens in new tab) · Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- DEP: latex paint is not hazardous and can go in regular trash once poured into absorbent material and completely dried. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DEP: oil-based paints, stains and varnishes are hazardous; take them to a household hazardous waste collection program if available. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DEP: if possible, recycle or dispose of paint-related waste at your local HHW collection site. Checked October 26, 2026.
PaintCare: Paint recycling and drop-off locations (state list) (opens in new tab) · PaintCare Inc.
- PaintCare's state list (California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington) does not include Pennsylvania: there is no PaintCare paint stewardship program in Pennsylvania. Checked October 26, 2026.
- PaintCare runs paint recycling programs only in states with paint stewardship laws. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

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