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Paint Recycling in Ames, IA

Oil-based and lead paint go to the Ames Resource Recovery Plant by appointment (515-239-5137); latex paint should be dried out and put in the trash.

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

2 ways to get rid of a paint in Ames

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

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · AmesNo 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.

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  2. Ames Resource Recovery PlantDrop-off · 410 E 2nd St, AmesConditions applyCost not listed
    Where

    410 E 2nd St
    Ames, IA 50010

    Hours

    Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-noon

    Cost & rules

    Paint

    Accepted with conditionsCost unknown

    Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

    • Oil- and lead-based paint only; latex paint is not accepted.
    • Preparation: Call 515-239-5137 for an appointment first.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

Before you go

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

Iowa rules

More Iowa rules (13)
Where this information comes from (21)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • Household Hazardous Materials (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
    • Household hazardous materials, including oil- and lead-based paint, are accepted by appointment only; call 515-239-5137. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Oil- and lead-based paint, paint thinner and stain are on the appointment list; latex paint is not accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Latex paint is not accepted; dried out in the can it becomes regular garbage. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Businesses and farms are referred to the Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant or may call Resource Recovery. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Paint (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
    • Completely dried water-based paint can go in the trash; leave the lid off so workers know it is dry. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Iowa DNR: Regional Collection Centers & Grants (opens in new tab) · Iowa Department of Natural Resources
    • DNR lists the City of Ames (110 Center Ave.) as a satellite RCC for Story County, with Metro Waste Authority as the main RCC. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Iowa has 28 main RCCs and 43 satellite facilities serving 96 of the state's counties. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Some counties are served by RCC mobile collection events run under contract with a main RCC; 29 counties have RCC mobile service. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many RCCs run a Swap Shop where usable products can be dropped off for others to take at no charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • DNR publishes a county-by-county table of the RCC main and satellite facilities that serve each county. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Iowa DNR: Household Hazardous Materials (opens in new tab) · Iowa Department of Natural Resources
    • Iowa households can take household hazardous materials to Regional Collection Centers (RCCs); RCC services are free to residents within each RCC's service area. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • RCC services for eligible businesses carry a small fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • DNR tells residents to find their nearest RCC and schedule an appointment before dropping off hazardous materials. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • DNR says not to dump hazardous materials in ditches, pour them down drains or sewers, or put them in the trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Iowa Code chapter 455F: Household hazardous materials (opens in new tab) · Iowa Legislature (Legislative Services Agency)
    • Under Iowa Code chapter 455F, regional collection centers keep regular hours when the public may drop off hazardous materials. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Iowa DNR disposal guide: Latex Paint (opens in new tab) · Iowa Department of Natural Resources
    • DNR says latex paint is not hazardous waste and most RCCs charge a small fee to take it. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • DNR says latex paint can be dried out at home and put in the garbage with the lid off. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Latex paint can be dried by adding cat litter or sawdust to the can or pouring it into a box lined with cat litter or sawdust. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Usable latex paint that has not been frozen or contaminated can be donated at many RCC swap shops. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Iowa DNR disposal guide: Oil-Based Paint (opens in new tab) · Iowa Department of Natural Resources
    • DNR says to use up oil-based paint or take it to the local Regional Collection Center. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many RCCs accept usable oil-based paint at their swap shops for others to use. 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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