​Paint Recycling and Safe Disposal

Oil-based Paints, Primers, Stains, Enamels and Lacquers​

​These products should be disposed of as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). Please see the map below​ for drop-off locations for these products and also see the HHW pages. There are a few additional options for spray paint at the bottom of the page.

Water-based Paints, Primers and Finishes

Latex and acrylic paints are water-based and have a very low levels of toxicity. Disposing of these paint types as hazardous waste is unnecessary and very expensive. State-funded collection sites such as the Naperville HHW facility do not accept water-based paint. Residents with unwanted latex or acrylic paint are encouraged to explore the following options:

Reduce

Buy only what you need! The best way to reduce waste is by buying only as much paint as needed for your project. Measure the surface area of your walls or other painting project. Once you have the total square footage, divide by 400 square feet per gallon. This will give you the approximate number of gallons needed to complete one coat. Two coats is usually sufficient for painting over a light shade of existing paint. Painting fresh drywall or replacing a dark shade with a lighter one may require additional coats. 

• Save leftover paint for touch-ups by transferring leftovers to a smaller container (unless your can is more then half full - then it can be left as is), cleaning the can and lid rims and replacing the lid firmly. Store in a climate-controlled area (e.g., in a basement, closet or utility room instead of an unheated garage). Paint may need to be re-agitated before use. See this page for some lighthearted tips on successful paint storage. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Add an extra coat to your project or paint something else to avoid leftovers.

• Find a friend or neighbor who needs to paint a small area. 

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations may take unopened cans of paint for use or r​esale.​​​

Recycle​

Liquid latex paint can be recycled. ​Dried up paint cannot be recycled - see trash disposal below). Leave paint for recycling in its original can. Cans should not be combined/mixed. 

Use a local drop-off: The map below shows locations ​​in and near Kane County that accept various paint types for recycling. ​​Note, the map points contain information about acceptance and pricing that is subject to change without notice. It's always best to call ahead before dropping off. Click on the "four corners" icon in the top right of the map to pop out into a new browser window. Please email recycle@kanecountyil.gov with any additions or updates for the map.

Remember to recycle any empty metal paint cans and lids: ​A thin coating of dried paint on the inside walls and bottom of a can is ok. Put them in with your household recycling. Black plastic paint cans cannot be sorted at recycling facilities and should be put in the trash.​​

Trash​​

Dried up latex paint can be disposed of in regular household trash. If the above reuse and recycling options are not workable​ and you have liquid paint to get rid of, set your cans outside with the lids off on a warm, clear day to facilitate drying. Adding an absorbent material like kitty litter, sawdust, or shredded paper will help the paint dry more quickly. Once solidified, place one or two cans per week in trash, with the ​lids off. ​

Spray Paint

We are lucky in Kane County to have a local partner in Flat Can Recyc​ling to recycle aerosol products​ including spray paint (full or empty) at our events​ and through the ​Kane County Recycling Centers in Batavia​.The cost to recycle is $1.00 per can​​.​

​Spray paint can also be disposed of through HHW programs​.

Illinois Paint Stewardship Act Program Starting 12/01/2​5

​The Illinois Paint Stewardship Act (Public 103-0372), passed in 2023, established the framework for a paint recovery and recycling program throughout Illinois. That program will start on December 1, 2025, meaning that Kane County residents will have access to free drop-off sites for paint, primarily through retail locations that sell paint. ​Starting on December 1, residents can find the drop-off location closest to them at the PaintCare program page for Illinois​. Kane County's Recycling Program will add participating drop-off locations to our paint map (above) and to Recycle Coach​ after December 1. 

​Frequently Asked Questions about the Paint Stewardship Program:

​​How is the program funded? Do I have to pay a recycling fee?

The program will largely be funded by a fee of less than $1 per gallon applied to new cans of paint sold in Illinois after December 1, 2025. There is no fee to drop paint off at participating locations for recycling.

I have paint that I bought before the program started in 2025 - can I still recycle it? 

Yes - all material covered by the program is accepted for recycling, regardless of when it was purchased.

What materials are covered by the program?

​The program covers "architectural coatings," which include house paint (latex and oil based), primers (latex and oil based), stains (polymer and oil based), varnishes and shellacs, ​rust preventatives and other metal coatings, water proofers and sealants, and even lawn paint.

What materials are NOT covered?

Spray paint, art and craft paint, nail polish, coal tar, asphalt or bitumen based driveway coatings, automotive paint, marine paint, paint thinner and solvent, wood preservatives containing pesticides, adhesives, road marking paint, and paint labeled primarily for industrial use are not accepted. Many of these products are accepted from residents through HHW programs. 

Can businesses use the program? 

Yes, though drop-offs may only accept 5 gallons per visit per day. Additionally, some drop-offs may be restricted to residents/non-commercial users only.

What if I have a lot of paint?

​The program will include free scheduled collection of paint from users (residential or commercial) with more than 100 gallons. Go to the PaintCare program page for Illinois​ after December 1, 2025 to request service.​