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Paint Recycling in Ottumwa, IA

Oil-based paint goes to the Ottumwa/Wapello Recycling Center by appointment (641-683-0685), free for Wapello and Davis County residents; latex paint goes to its drop-off area.

See all 2 options

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

2 ways to get rid of a paint in Ottumwa

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

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · OttumwaNo 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 →

  2. Ottumwa/Wapello Recycling Center and Regional Collection CenterDrop-off · 2415 Emma Street, OttumwaWapello County residentsConditions applyFree
    Where

    2415 Emma Street
    Ottumwa, IA 52501

    Hours

    Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-noon

    Cost & rules

    Paint

    Accepted with conditionsFree (documented)
    • Oil-based paint is household hazardous waste: call 641-683-0685 for a drop-off appointment; free for Davis and Wapello County residents. Latex paint goes to the drop-off area.

    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 (19)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • Household Hazardous Materials (opens in new tab) · City of Ottumwa
    • The RCC at the Recycling Center requires an appointment and is offered at no charge to Davis and Wapello County residential customers. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Common household hazardous wastes listed include paints, lacquers and thinners. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Waste Guide (opens in new tab) · City of Ottumwa
    • Latex paint only goes to the drop-off area at the Recycling Center; oil-based paint is household hazardous waste by appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Iowa DNR: Regional Collection Centers & Grants (opens in new tab) · Iowa Department of Natural Resources
    • Iowa DNR lists the Ottumwa Wapello RCC as main RCC for Wapello, Davis and Mahaska counties. 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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